Frequently Asked Questions
Inquiry
Inquiry
1. What is inquiry-based learning?
2. What if my students always say "I don't know"?
Try to determine if the child's response is from disinterest or discouragement. If a child is disinterested, consider if the question/conversation is confusing or unfamiliar.
Teachers can easily familiarize students with topics by introducing new, authentic materials related to the topic. Teachers can also bring up the topic in conversation and build upon it gradually. It's okay if students do not become interested. Sometimes it’s best to move on.
Consider that the child doesn’t know how to articulate their answer. It’s also possible they have an idea, but are not confident or comfortable enough to answer. Asking follow-up questions that may give a hint without giving the entire answer can be helpful. Teachers can also remind children of related information they do know and help them make connections.
Limiting questions can also help when students are first being exposed to inquiry-based learning. Asking 1-2 open-ended questions per learning experience is a good start. Asking 3 or more questions is best used when children are practiced in critical and creative thinking or are actively trying to solve a problem. If children ask for help or show great interest, these are also good indicators that children are ready to ask or attempt to answer more questions.
Investigations
3. How long do Investigations Last?
Investigations can last for several weeks or several months depending on how long children remain interested and engaged. Investigations are one aspect of the curriculum and often only occur during part of the day. While it is common that investigation-related learning experiences are conducted in small groups at a table, whole class gatherings can also be utilized. These experiences can also present themselves spontaneously during play time or other daily routines. Many teachers find that the playground and other outdoor areas provide excellent settings for both planned and spontaneous learning experiences related to their investigation.
1. What is inquiry-based learning?
- Inquiry-based learning is an approach in education in which:
- The process of learning is more important than the product of learning
- Questions, ideas and interests of children are highly valued and utilized in long-term projects and everyday learning
- Critical and creative thinking is emphasized
- Children are given opportunities to try their ideas and interact with materials
- Mistakes are viewed as opportunities to learn
- Collaborative research is used
- Learning is active and engaging
- Memorized content knowledge is not relied upon
- Teachers pose questions to support critical thinking and inspire curiosity
2. What if my students always say "I don't know"?
Try to determine if the child's response is from disinterest or discouragement. If a child is disinterested, consider if the question/conversation is confusing or unfamiliar.
Teachers can easily familiarize students with topics by introducing new, authentic materials related to the topic. Teachers can also bring up the topic in conversation and build upon it gradually. It's okay if students do not become interested. Sometimes it’s best to move on.
Consider that the child doesn’t know how to articulate their answer. It’s also possible they have an idea, but are not confident or comfortable enough to answer. Asking follow-up questions that may give a hint without giving the entire answer can be helpful. Teachers can also remind children of related information they do know and help them make connections.
Limiting questions can also help when students are first being exposed to inquiry-based learning. Asking 1-2 open-ended questions per learning experience is a good start. Asking 3 or more questions is best used when children are practiced in critical and creative thinking or are actively trying to solve a problem. If children ask for help or show great interest, these are also good indicators that children are ready to ask or attempt to answer more questions.
Investigations
3. How long do Investigations Last?
Investigations can last for several weeks or several months depending on how long children remain interested and engaged. Investigations are one aspect of the curriculum and often only occur during part of the day. While it is common that investigation-related learning experiences are conducted in small groups at a table, whole class gatherings can also be utilized. These experiences can also present themselves spontaneously during play time or other daily routines. Many teachers find that the playground and other outdoor areas provide excellent settings for both planned and spontaneous learning experiences related to their investigation.