From Curiosity to Success: Top Benefits of Inquiry-based Learning

Unlock your Curiosity: Understanding the definition of Inquiry-based learning

Inquiry-based learning is a teaching-learning method that arose in the 1960s with the widespread acclamation for constructivist theory. Constructivism is a theory that suggests that learners construct their knowledge by reflecting on their experiences and building on already existing knowledge. In addition to the constructivist theory, this approach is grounded in three other principles: student-centeredness, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.

The learner has autonomy in the learning process where they create knowledge by asking, experimenting as individuals and as groups, and thinking critically to solve problems. The role of the instructor in this approach is usually limited with a paradigm shift from the ultimate source of knowledge to a facilitator or guide. In a nutshell, this teaching strategy can be defined as an instructional method where learners engage in active learning by exploring topics, posing inquiries, and employing critical thinking skills to find solutions.

Unlock your Excitement: Understanding the types of Inquiry-based learning

Four main types of this method are used in different learning environments. In the case of corporate training, these forms can be used depending on the instructor, learners, and the learning material. The four forms are Structured- Inquiry Approach, Open-Ended Inquiry Approach, Problem-based Inquiry Approach, and Guided Inquiry Approach.

Structured Inquiry Approach

As the name suggests, this method involves instructors providing a structure or a framework to the learners to probe questions and investigate them further. The steps involved are completely structured, with the instructor playing a pivotal role by giving questions and the methods of investigation beforehand. Furthermore, the trainer continuously engages in learning by scaffolding learners to acquire knowledge and promoting critical thinking. Although this approach is mostly used in science classes, it is highly relevant in the corporate setting that involves research and data analysis.

Open-Ended Inquiry Approach

Unlike the structured inquiry approach, this approach gives learners more autonomy to explore questions and problems themselves irrespective of predetermined guidelines. The students develop their questions and investigation strategies and follow them. The open-ended approach is an advanced level of Inquiry-based learning highly promoting critical thinking, creativity, and self-directed learning with no predefined instructions. The findings are presented at the concluding stage for further debate and discussion. Open-ended inquiry is applicable in various sectors including technology, finance, manufacturing, and healthcare where new innovations are created, tested, and finally evaluated.

Problem-based Inquiry Approach

Problem-based Inquiry approach is the most sophisticated Inquiry-based learning approach where the learners are given opportunities to solve real-world problems. The learners are presented with a problem requiring a practical solution where they collaborate to analyze, investigate, and gather a perfect resolution. Similar to the other approaches, the final stage of problem-based inquiry also includes reflection, aimed at examining the process and giving feedback.

Guided Inquiry Approach

In this approach, the instructor provides comprehensive guidance to the learners to investigate, evaluate, and devise solutions. Even though the guidance from the part of the instructor makes it seem similar to the Structured Inquiry Approach, there are significant differences between the two. In the guided inquiry approach, the learners get more autonomy and flexibility to explore the topic differently. The role of the instructors is to facilitate the learners rather than direct them. The guided inquiry approach is most suitable for new trainees in a learning environment.

Unlock your Interest: Understanding the benefits of Inquiry-based learning

The inquiry-based learning approach provides substantial benefits for the organization, instructors, and learners. In a meta-analysis synthesizing 72 empirical studies examining the power of inquiry-based learning conducted by Ard W. Lazonder and Ruth Harmsen in 2016, it was found that ‘teacher-supported inquiry-based instruction was consistently more effective than other pedagogies at imparting learning outcomes amongst students.’

Here are some of the key benefits.

Promotes active learning

The learners not being passive listeners, offer them a chance to be involved actively in the learning process improving their efficacy. In addition, it creates in them a passion for acquiring new knowledge through continuous experimentation and discovery. The approach is therefore best suited in every sector involving learning.

Enriches Problem-solving skills

The scope for enhancing problem-solving skills is one of the major benefits of Inquiry-based learning. Apart from the formal training settings, where learners solve real-world problems, Inquiry-based learning encourages the learners to identify problems and generate solutions in other arenas. The learners will be equipped to face similar future challenges in their workplaces.

Heightens Critical Thinking skills

Thinking out of the box is the biggest dilemma faced by most of the learners in their initial and mid phases of learning. Inquiry-based learning enhances trainees’ critical thinking by providing situations in which they pose questions and seek solutions. In the case of an organization, trainees involved in collaborative work through Inquiry-based learning get the opportunity to discuss the questions and solutions in a constructivist debate with their teammates, thereby improving their critical thinking.

Enhances Retention

Through exploration and hands-on experience offered by inquiry-based learning, the learners understand concepts easily and the information received gets retained for a long time. This enables learners to recall their learning and facilitates deeper understanding and proficiency in their niche.

Promotes Creativity

Creativity is considered the highest attribute in the learning process by many scholars. Inquiry-based learning helps both individuals and the group bolster their creativity by conducting investigation, analysis, and reflection. For instance, the overall creativity of a team in an organization will be elevated with multiple perspectives, approaches, and open-ended inquiries from the team members.

Builds confidence

Learning through inquiry motivates learners to boost their confidence by encouraging trainees to participate actively in the learning process. This approach’s practical nature helps them identify their flaws in the process and makes them confident to engage in similar activities in the future.

Fosters Research skills

The steps involving investigation, data analysis, conclusion, and reflection in inquiry-based learning foster research skills in learners. Adopting Inquiry-based learning in a learning scenario can help individuals generate a liking for research in any field. The research skill guides learners to gather relevant information and apply the knowledge gained in suitable situations.

Increases success rate

The success rate of inquiry-based learning is considered high by some researchers on comparison with other conventional learning approaches. The self-reliable attitude of Inquiry-based learning makes employees interested in doing their tasks benefitting both the learners and the organization in achieving their goals.

Conclusion

Inquiry-based learning is a highly effective approach to learning which improves the problem-solving, critical thinking, retention, creativity, confidence, and research skills of trainees. This approach through investigation, analysis, recall, discussion, and reflection improves the learning capabilities irrespective of being a structured, open-ended, guided, or problem-based inquiry. It is highly recommended that organizations adopt this approach to encourage active participation by the trainees in efficiently contributing to their organization.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Inquiry-based learning?

Inquiry-based learning (INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING) is a teaching-learning method where learners engage in active learning by exploring topics, posing inquiries, and employing critical thinking skills to find solutions.

What are the major benefits of Inquiry-based learning?

The major benefits of Inquiry-based learning are that it promotes active-learning, improves problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, research skills resulting in improved retention and confidence.

What is the difference between structured inquiry-based learning and guided inquiry-based learning?

Structured Inquiry-based learning involves a set structure or framework where the topic and methods for inquiry are predetermined while guided inquiry-based learning is flexible. The role of the instructor is different from the directive nature in the case of structured and facilitative nature for the guided.