IBL

Inquiry-Based Learning Strategies and Activities for Teachers

Teacher learns more about students’ learning habits

1.4.

Techer monitors how students develop these skills

1.3.

Inquiry activities focus on building information-processing and critical thinking abilities

1.2.

Learners are at the centre of the inquiry process

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Keep Guiding Principles in Mind

Students must learn how to...

3. Question themselves in a constructive manner

2. Develop those ideas

4. Investigate their ideas and hypotheses

1. Contribute ideas

Demonstrate How to Participate

Distributing a primary source document

Third Step

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Handing out a mathematical formula or list of math word problems

Second Step

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Playing a video

First Step

With little to no context, start class by:

Surprise Students

Structured or guided inquiry activities can lend themselves to topics that students typically struggle to grasp, allowing them to process content in different ways. Investigating a question you present, they should be able to use their own techniques to analyze information. As a result, they’ll likely form conclusions that make sense to them.You can then discuss these conclusions and fill knowledge gaps to ensure everyone is on the same page.Furthermore, monitoring students throughout the activity can teach you about their learning styles, informing how to approach other difficult lessons.

Use Inquiry when Traditional Methods Won’t Work

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There are some problems that often make inquiry-based lessons fail.

Understand When Inquiry Won’t Work

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Reflects a core curriculum concept

step 1

Interests students, as indicated in previous lessons and discussions

step 3

Has engaged students from past or other classes

step 2

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step 1

A student can ask a question that stimulates classmates’ curiosity, signaling you to prepare or launch an inquiry activity. But this is rarely the case. And you shouldn’t wait for it.Rather, you can initiate an inquiry activity when you feel it is appropriate. But it must use a guiding question that:

Don’t Wait for the Perfect Question

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Allotting time for class-wide reflection lets students discuss challenges and discoveries, filling knowledge gaps and supplementing findings. This prepares them for future lessons and inquiry activities. They’ll learn about an array of ideas to consider throughout their study of the specific topic, and strategies to try during the next exercise.It can be especially helpful for learners who struggle in small groups, giving them a different way to process the activity’s outcomes.

Run a Check-In Afterwards