BY TREADWELL, M. (2008) Presented by Sashi Ram

WHAT IS INQUIRY LEARNING? WHY DO WE NEED INQUIRY LEARNING? HOW IS INQUIRY LEARNING ACQUIRED? WHAT IS NEEDED IN INQUIRY LEARNING PROCESS? PRACTIAL LIFE

 What do you understand by Inquiry Learning?

WHAT IS INQUIRY LEARNING?  Inquiry implies involvement that leads to understanding. Involvement implies possessing skills and attitude that permit you to seek resolutions to questions and issues while you construct new knowledge.(Education Broadcasting Association)  Many of us here might feel that learning in the school is inadequate as it does not increase our competencies and less skills is acquired.  In simple words inquiry learning is acquiring skills to be successful in 21 st century. It is independent lifelong learning.

WHY DO WE NEED INQUIRY LEARNING?  It develops independent life long capability.  Increases our confidence.  Knowledge is built.  Making learning rich and more meaningful.  Builds better understanding in carrying out a process on the topic.

HOW IS INQUIRY LEARNING ACQUIRED?  Students are taught to use “adult learning strategies” where rich information and communication environment is needed.  Students need some prior knowledge - brainstorming is done.  Reflect on issue and continue to review their understanding.  Review to see what additional information could be added.  Learners need to iterate to reflect their understanding.  To do this teachers need to ask effective and motivational questions.  Teachers need to act as facilitators than educators.

WHAT IS NEEDED IN INQUIRY LEARNING PROCESS ?  Some knowledge on the topic/ theme.  Concept is developed, ideas are brainstormed with appropriate language.  Clarification of immediate issues that may lead to confusion.  If the student has some prior knowledge than the teacher has to direct it in right direction.  Learners are required to reflect and continue to review their understanding  Once the knowledge base is built, the learner can use it in different context.

PRACTIAL LIFE  In everyday living inquiry process starts since a person is born. There are stages divided according to the age groups i.e.. 0-3, 4-7, 8-10 and In the last group that is issues are often related to the personal level and higher reflection and review is done individually.  In the NZ curriculum it also highlights that one of the directions of learning values should be effective inquiry learning by the students.  NZ curriculum also requires teachers to encourage students to value inquiry by thinking critically, creatively and reflectively.  In everyday living inquiry learning is done where something new is learnt and a process is followed.

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember involve me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin.