“Inquiry-based learning is an approach to learning that emphasizes the student’s role in the learning process.” (Enrichment, 2018). Inquiry-based learning is not just about the teacher asking questions; it is about guiding students to explore new areas and stimulating their curiosity. This learning method allows students to ask questions that they are keen to answer. Students can independently explore topics that interest them through reading, observation, reflection, and discussion (Mieg, 2019).

Here’s a short video from Scott Crombie of the YouTube channel.

This is a video with a very clear explanation of inquiry-based learning.

In an inquiry-based approach to learning, teachers need to have a good understanding of the content and need to plan their instruction carefully. Teachers need to ask students open-ended questions so that they can generate their own questions.

Ai et al. (2008) state that there are four factors that are critical to inquiry-based learning：

1. 询问——从提问、讨论和重新表述开始； 2. 通过识别资源和获取新知识和现有知识进行研究和反思； 3. 评估：资源是否解决了问题？ 他们是否提出了新的问题？ 4. 构建：重新制定、重新审查和综合。
Image retrieved from https://www.queensu.ca/ctl/teaching-support/instructional-strategies/inquiry-based-learning
According to the picture above, we can understand that inquiry-based learning includes the following steps：
  1. Ask a question
  2. Investigate
  3. Discuss and analyze in class (can be group work)
  4. Present the results of student learning and investigation
  5. Reflect
    (Pappas, 2014)
We've learned what inquiry-based learning is. Let me give you some of the benefits it brings to students.
  • It can stimulate students’ curiosity
  • It can exercise students’ critical thinking skills
  • Deepen students’ understanding of the topic
  • increase students’ participation
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