Defining Inquiry

Do you remember doing any inquiry-oriented activities when you were a student? Maybe you're wondering, What is "inquiry?"

A definition of "inquiry" crafted by several experts representing various content areas is:

Inquiry is an approach to learning that involves a process of exploring the natural or material world that leads to asking questions and making discoveries in the search for new understandings. (http://www.exploratorium.edu/IFI/resources/inquirydesc.html)

Sounds like a fun way to learn, doesn't it? And even more important, it sounds like a fun approach to teaching as well.

Student-Centered Inquiry

Inquiry, in its purest form, requires students to play the leading role in answering questions that they themselves have asked. There exists a Spiral Path of Inquiry that students should typically follow when completing an inquiry-oriented exercise.

  1. Reflect on previous or new material.
  2. Ask questions related to the topic.
  3. Define procedures for investigation.
  4. Find and investigate data/information that will help answer questions.
  5. Manipulate the data/information to answer questions.
  6. Discuss and defend results.
  7. Reflect on results...start the process over again if necessary.

Supporting Student Inquiry

As a teacher you can support student-centered inquiry. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Provide an interesting hook that students can reflect upon.
  2. Lead students to ask interesting questions related to the topic.
  3. When students define the procedures of their investigation, ensure that the procedures are rigorous enough to produce valid results.
  4. Assist students in finding data resources that will help answer their questions.
  5. Provide students with access to data manipulation tools (spreadsheet, database, or concept mapping software, etc.) as well as the prerequisite skills to use these tools.
  6. Support students' efforts in presenting and defending results.

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