Inquiry-Based Learning

1. Student's Role

1.1. Answer the Teachers Open-Ended Question by Collaborating with Other Student's in Their Classroom

1.2. Be in Control of Their Own Thinking

1.3. Acquire and Analyze Information (Research)

1.4. Develop and Support Propositions

1.5. Demonstrate Thinking

1.6. Provide Solutions

1.7. Make Learning Visible

2. What does research say about student achievement/success when using inquiry-based learning?

2.1. Students will have an easier time making connections between subjects

2.2. Leads to More Motivated Students

2.3. Develop Information Literacy

2.4. Develop Critical Thinking Skills

2.5. Students Become Better Life-long Learners

2.6. Encourages Development of Interpersonal and Team Skills

2.7. Gives Students the Opportunity to Teach and Learn from Each Other (Collaboration)

2.8. May Engage Students Who do not Function Well in a More Traditional Learning Environment

2.9. Determine Own Direction of Learning

3. Teacher's Role

3.1. Facilitator

3.2. Guide

3.3. Partner

3.4. Ask Open-Ended (Beginning) Question

3.5. Keep Students on Track

3.6. Allow Students to Gather Information

3.7. Encourage Collaboration

3.8. Find Student's Own Voice

3.9. Discover Student's Own Thoughts

3.10. Help Students Feel Valued and Important

3.11. Teach Students to Respect Others' Opinions

4. Best Practices

4.1. Significant Time Investment for Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation

4.2. Clear Understanding of the Roles of Each Participant

4.3. Well-Designed Assignments

4.4. Move About the Room and Monitor the Progress of Each Team During Work Times

4.5. Encourage Students to Ask for Help Only if they Encounter Significant Problems

4.6. Encourage Peer Support (Collaboration)

4.7. Model and Foster Independent Trouble-Shooting Thinking

5. Steps

5.1. Ask

5.2. Investigate

5.3. Create

5.4. Discuss

5.5. Reflect