Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based Learning

Whether a scholar, tutor, guardian, or administrator, individuals, and institutions are always in pursuit for methodologies to improve engagement and heighten retention of knowledge. Precisely, people spend more time structuring schedule and formulating study time so as to gain more insight. Inquiry-based learning helps to maximize levels of comprehension through optimization of the physical environment and upgrading of study methodologies.

Among the most exemplary teaching practices shown in the video clip is the use of scribing. The teacher encourages the scholars to write down what they know about bees, and later after explaining the actual concepts and administering the same test again, she compiles both results for comparison. Through authorizing students to write down what they see on the image, the tutor gives the learners opportunities to formulate their questions and answer the query by writing down supporting evidence. This method enables scholars to think critically and explain their thoughts without restriction to a specific query. Another teaching practice manifested in the video entails letting the student create an argument and at the same time, justify the reasoning by explaining their perception.

The lesson plan is detailed and practical, providing the learners with a chance to memorize new information and grasp scientific ideas. By employing the outlined step-by-step procedure, the teacher makes science more enjoyable and disapproves the notion that learning is all about memorizing and reading facts.  Using case analyses and allowing students to ask questions fluently is also a remarkable practice that improves the social environment of a learner and students get to control their level of understanding depending on their capabilities.

Inquiry-based learning develops a greater interest in education. This benefit is perhaps the most primary benefit of this teaching method. When scholars are permitted to ask queries and propose the direction of the curriculum, they are likely to develop more interest in the topic hence helping them understand the subject. Inquiry-based learning stimulates excitement, and students are likely to pay more attention. The teaching practice demonstrates problem-solving as it is more of an inquisition. Students are not only encouraged to ask questions, but they are taught how to find answers.  Considering that the ability to solve problems is regarded as a valuable skill in any aspect of life, inquiry-based learning, therefore, prepares scholars for real-life.

As a teacher, I would incorporate “exit tickets” to instill scientific information. In this method, learners are free to draw, write, or practically submit art they had memorized after learning it in the classroom. Creating “exit tickets” is an excellent methodology to build reflection and analyze each learner’s understanding of information. Considering that we are in the era of digitization, I would consider employing a technology tool to impart scientific knowledge. At more advanced levels of education, students are capable of accessing online content and hence, would take this opportunity to teach. Inquiry-based learning will then require infrastructure whereby a teacher dedicates an online platform that shares ideas, allows students to ask questions, and enables scholars to share thoughts.

In conclusion, inquiry-based learning proves beneficial since the teacher can easily gauge the students’ levels of understanding, including their level of thinking and challenging aspects. The method permits guardians and other stakeholders in education docket to test the level of understanding and students’ academic progress.  This learning method can be employed within the confinement of classrooms and can also be used in homes.