Inquiry+Based+Learning

Description of the Approach

 * Inquiry Based Learning is built upon John Dewey’s concept that curiosity drives the learning process.
 * In this approach, student inquiry drives instruction, and learning activities are both student centered and student directed.
 * Teachers act as resources and facilitators while students are self-directed and actively engaged in the process of learning.
 * Critical thinking, teamwork, and informational literacy are among the processes and tools promoted in this curricular approach.
 * Student inquiry is the foundational approach for the International Baccalaureate Organization’s Program of Inquiry.

**Books**

 * //Comprehension and Collaboration: Inquiry Circles in Action// (Stephanie Harvey, 2009)
 * //Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21st Century// (Carol Kuhlthau, Ann Caspari, and Leslie Maniotes, 2007)
 * //Inquiry-Based Learning Using Everyday Objects: Hands-On Instructional Strategies// (Amy Edmonds Alvarado)

**Web Sites**
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 * Concept to Classroom: Inquiry based learning workshop []
 * Inquiry Based Learning Research Project, Blog, and Instructional Videos
 * International Baccalaureate Organization: Guidelines for developing a program of inquiry []
 * International Baccalaureate Organization: Primary Years Program curriculum framework []

<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">**Discussion Board: Strategies and Ideas for Implementation**
//**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">1. What strategies have you read about that support the successful integration of this approach? **//
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">//Creating an open classroom environment promotes inquiry. When students are allowed to further explore their questions without time restraints and facilitate the direction of their learning, this approach can be highly successful. Teachers must also practice inquiry when using this approach. Examples of this include interacting through student-teacher message boards, utilizing Socratic questioning, and providing student feedback in the form of questions.// (Kelly N.)

//**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">2. If you have experience working with the approach, describe possible challenges and benefits of implementing the approach. **//
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">//To fully implement an inquiry based approach to learning, school leaders and teachers must create and communicate a structured plan to guide students through the learning process while also allowing time and flexibility within the teaching schedule. Student inquiry can be unpredictable, but teachers can prepare somewhat by providing a familiar framework in which learning occurs.// (Kelly N.)

//**<span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">3. What should leaders of curriculum development consider when implementing this approach? **//
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Geneva,sans-serif;">//Curriculum leaders should consider working with school leaders to create a schedule that permits for extended time and curricular flexibility. Student inquiry requires both of these. Also, it is important to build in professional development training opportunities for teachers as well as time for teachers to practice using inquiry-based strategies.// (Kelly N.)