Inquiry-Based Learning

Have you used inquiry-based learning as a teacher or as a student? What place would inquiry-based learning and/or historical thinking have in your classroom?


As a student, I’ve mostly used inquiry-based learning during higher education. Some of my professors provided the class with limited knowledge, and either as a group activity, individual activity, or homework assignment, we had to interpret the information given, analyze it, construct questions, and/or provide possible solutions. Then, usually as a class, we would discuss our findings and reasonings for it. Sometimes lengthy discussions would ensue, and some times we would see how others arrived at similar solutions using slightly different problem-solving skills.

It’s important to incorporate inquiry-based learning into the classroom because inquiring is a skill that not only applies to learning material in the classroom, but to real-world situations as well. It can be used throughout one’s life in many different situations. When in a dilemma (etc), one can apply their inquiry skills for problem-solving. This approach/style allows students to think about and figure out answers on their own, as opposed to hearing it directly from the teacher and memorizing the information. Individuals will constantly find themselves in situations in which they have to make decisions, come up with solutions, etc. There will be no teachers on their shoulder giving them the answers and information they need. Also, if students are involved with figuring out the solutions, they are more apt to learn and remember the material.