“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
Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

Example：
In junior high school, the teacher in writing class chose a topic we were interested in (computer games). She first asked us to write a 10min essay and asked us what we thought was the most difficult to write about. Then teacher led us to learn writing skills. By reading famous authors and asking questions such as why do they write the way they start? How do they write to attract readers? Next, strengthen our own reading and writing skills by analyzing and evaluating the writing of others. Finally, we imitate the writing and reflect on it.

Blueprint
Our group’s topic is spicy food culture. We will introduce the history and culture of Sichuan and Hunan cuisine. Inquiry-based learning is not suitable for our group. Our course is for international students. They lack knowledge of Chinese food culture and may not have the ability to conduct independent research. The inquiry-based learning approach is not effective for students with narrow knowledge to implement.
Our group will combine both direct instruction and cooperative learning. The direct instruction method will help students better understand historical concepts. We will give students clear steps and objectives for teaching to make learning more efficient. Also, we set up a lot of group work and group presentations. This can exercise students’ organizational skills. Group members can share new ideas and present them to the whole class.

Reference：

Ai, R., Bhatt, M., Chevrier, S., Ciccarelli, R., Grady, R., Kumari, V., … Wong, H. (2008). Choose your own inquiry. Lanham, MD: University Press of America.

Mieg, H. A., & SpringerLink (Online service). (2019). Inquiry-based learning – undergraduate research: The german multidisciplinary experience (1st 2019. ed.). Springer International Publishing.

Pappas, C., (2014). Instructional Design Models and Theories: Inquiry-based Learning Model – eLearning Industry. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://elearningindustry.com/inquiry-based-learning-model