Dym San Nicolas Luz Erni Gemma de Guzman

Inquiry-based instruction engages students in the processes of formulating predictions, organizing and interpreting data, and communicating results. The approach has great potential to excite and motivate students, but requires preparation and forethought to implement successfully. It appeals to students’ natural curiosity about the world around them, while developing process skills.

The three kinds of inquiry based instruction are: 1. Structured Inquiry 2. Guided Inquiry 3. Open Inquiry

Students follow precise teacher instructions to complete a hands-on activity. The teacher provides students with a question and the process the students use to find the answer. Teachers lead students step by step through the process. Teachers may be able to anticipate the types of questions that students may pose and easily prepare points of discussion. Structured inquiry strategies may not engage students as fully or develop as high level critical thinking skills as the other two forms of inquiry-based teaching strategies.

Students develop the procedure to investigate a teacher-selected question. The teacher poses a question and provides the students only with materials to be used in their investigation. The students must design the experiment themselves. Many standards-based topics work well with guided inquiry. Teachers are responsible for preparing inquiry-based assessments to monitor students.

Students generate questions about a teacher-selected topic and design their own investigations. Teachers furnish the materials for students to investigate, but students must come up with the question and method for investigation. To ensure the success of this strategy, teachers can  Provide carefully planned inquiry-based assessments  Create well-established classroom rules for interaction and the handling of materials  Offer guidance to students who exhibit frustration  Prepare guided questions following the activity that tie into standards