Inquiry Based Learning Process And The Various Theories Associated With It (Term Paper Sample)

INQUIRY BASED LEARNING PROCESS AND THE VRIOUS THEORIES ASSOCIATED WITH IT.
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Institutional affiliation
Abstract
This paper aims at studying inquiry-based learning techniques that are employed by teachers. Different age groups of learning should be handled differently. The rate of cognitive abilities differs from one child to the other. As such, special tactics should be employed by the trainer to meet the needs of these different students. Traditionally the trainers have given room for little involvement of students giving them minimal room for personal development. As such the students have been turned into data receiving agents, storing machines and reciting devices. They are expected to reproduce the concepts taught in class without being given room for active
Participation.
This has resulted in low critical thinking skills among the students. Creativity has been curtailed and cramming praised among the students. As such it is important for the teachers to adopt a teaching method that engages the students more, helps them explore their learned concepts. A model that explains to the students in depth. A model that encourages the teacher to elaborate more and aids the teacher in evaluating the student’s concepts. This kind of a model that is all inclusive is referred to as an inquiry-based learning model. The model offers a wide perspective on the learning processes.
Keywords
Inquiry- an act of asking for information or an official investigation.
I.B.L-Inquiry-based learning
P.B.I-problem based inquiry
D.L.T-development learning theory
S.L.T-social learning theory
The zone of proximal development (Z.P.D)
Cognitive- the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses".
Inquiry-based learning
Conventionally students have been accustomed to listening and reciting what they are taught in class. Their contribution to the learning process is quite limited. Most instructors give the students instructions and contents which they are supposed to grasp, memorize and recite. This method of learning does not encourage creativity and critical thinking among the learners. As such, instructors should switch their training methods to an inquiry-based learning system.
Inquiry-based learning is a training method in which the learners are involved more in the training process leading them to understand better. The learners are encouraged to seek information, or truth through questioning. This approach gives the learners an opportunity to process information before storing it. The various growing stages can best describe Inquiry-based learning among the young children (Edelson, 2009). As the child grows they inquire about new things. Through this questioning, they get to learn new concepts. They also develop their senses. The method has proven to be quite a success.
Inquiry-based learning is a wholesome learning process that does not just focus on a single aspect of learning (Healey, 2005). Through questioning the learners can develop their communication skills and improve their confidence levels. This has the net effect of raising their self-esteem. It also creates a friendly environment where the learners can be free. A free environment encourages learning with a better chance of understanding the concepts being taught. A professional tutor should effectively organize their lessons in such a way that they encourage their learners to enquire more. This will ease their burden of introducing concepts to their students.
There are four types of inquiry-based learning
These different inquiry-based learning approaches suit different classes differently. As such the most suitable approach from a given class should be selected appropriately. These learning inquiry types include;
Confirmation inquiry
In this approach, the instructor gives the learners questions with their solutions. The learners are expected to on their investigative and learning skills. By learning how the specific method works the learners become more exposed and their concept solution finding in future over similar problems becomes enhanced.
Structured inquiry
In this approach, the teacher gives the learners a problem and a structured investigation method. The students are expected to provide an evidence-backed solution to their findings. The solution must adhere to the structured method given and must be easy to be worked out.
Guided inquiry
In this approach, the instructor gives students questions either individually or in groups. The students are expected to develop their working methods and arrive at a conclusion. The students are expected to critically develop their arguments and give a conclusion based on their method.
Open inquiry
The teacher should give the students time and support. The students are expected to develop questions through critical thinking and come up with solutions to these questions. The instructors have very minimal input as to the question the students come up with or the methods that they use to resolve the questions.
Benefits of inquiry-based learning
Prepares the brain for learning.
A brief engagement with the student prepares them for the learning process. This makes it easier for the students to grasp the concepts throughout the lesson. This engagement also makes it easier for the instructor to drive home the concepts being taught.
Promotes a deeper understanding
When students inquire about certain concepts, they tend to develop a certain sense of ownership the works. Inquiries help them understand how the idea was developed, why the formula led them to that particular conclusion and whey they can use the same method or formula to solve problems.
It makes the learning process more rewarding.
Many learners are more inclined towards recognition for their learning abilities. As such, the learning process should be rewarding. Inquiry-based learning makes the process more rewarding as the students seek to get approvals from their peers, teachers, and parents. In the process, they get to understand the concepts better.
Enhances a sense of self-direction and builds initiative.
Inquiry-based learning helps the students develop crucial skills in their learning. The students can solve problems on their own, come up with methods to the problems and arrive at the answers independently. This gives them a sense of achievement in their undertakings.
Can work in any classroom
This learning approach can be employed in any class setting easily. The teacher can easily integrate the method into their teaching processes. This learning method is quite appealing to students who are slow learners. This approach gives them a hands-on experience on concepts and helps them synthesize the concepts learned. The method helps the students reinforce and expand on any relevant concepts that they are taught.
Offers specialized instructions
Individual students can be given specific instructions that meet their learning needs. This individualized learning approach makes the learning process quite interesting to the students and helps them have a better grasp of concepts.
Inquiry-based learning techniques for teachers
Any effective practice must have an organized and orderly way of accomplishing. As a result, several techniques can be employed by the teachers to effectively meet the needs of the students. These techniques include;
Having guiding principles in mind
As a guiding principle, learners should always be at the center of the learning process. The inquiry activities should focus more on the student. The teacher should monitor how the students are learning through the process. Teachers should evaluate whether the students are building on the concepts effectively and how their skills are being developed.
Offer a demonstration to the students on how to participate
Since the students may not be well conversant with this learning model, offer them a guided demonstration on how they should participate. Train them on how to contribute and develop ideas. Teach them how to raise questions and systematically solve them on their own.In so doing the teacher saves time that would have otherwise be spent on a trial and error method which in some instances leaves some students demoralized.
Surprise students
In this learning model, the learner’s curiosity should be sparked through several activities such as playing a video for the class handing out a formula to a particular problem. This will keep the learners energized and eager to learn. As a result, concepts will be understood better.
Understand when inquiry-based learning does not work
Not all concepts can be taught using this approach. At times drawing in this approach when introducing new concepts may prove disastrous. Therefore the instructor should know where and when a new concept cannot be introduced using this approach. This saves on the confusion that might get caused and better prepares the learners for new c9oncepts.
Inquiry-based learning model in the classroom
From the time a person is born they start the inquiry learning process. New information acquired is turned into useful knowledge that is vital in their development. Traditional teaching methods do not encourage inquiry on the learner’s part.
Inquiry-based learning in the classroom setting depends on four distinct factors which can be described as follows.
The level of questions posed in the classroom set up should be different and distinct. This will enable the learners to understand easily. Each student is unique and as such the questions posed should be in such a way that they help different students differently. The questions should be multidimensional. There are four types of questions. First, there are the inference questions. These questions are mainly posed by students who are intent on gaining extra...