Inquiry-based learning

This Wikiversity page is intended to help those looking to understand and implement inquiry learning. Here you will find activity examples, method descriptions and research and evaluation projects looking at inquiry learning.

'Walking the Streets' mapping workshop for Guimarães 2012 (photo João Sousa) by tm on Wikimedia Commons

Definition

Inquiry-based learning (Also enquiry-based learning in British English.) describes approaches to learning that are based on the investigation of questions, scenarios or problems - often assisted by a facilitator. Inquirers will identify and research issues and questions to develop their knowledge or solutions. Inquiry-based learning includes Problem-based learning, and is generally used in small scale investigations and projects, as well as research. (Wikipedia 17 April 2013)

Methods

Here are links to a range of examples and information sheets to help people develop inquiry methods in their teaching and learning practice

• 4 levels of inquiry
• Assigning a question
• Resolving an inquiry in 6 phases
• Group and peer assessment

Research

Here are links to open research projects that are evaluating inquiry learning.

• Evaluating enquiry-based learning in the Faculty of Health Science at La Trobe University

Resources

Here are links to resources and prior work relating to inquiry learning.

• Centre for Excellence in Enquiry-Based Learning at Manchester University, UK.
• Handbook of Enquiry & Problem Based Learning. Barrett, T., Mac Labhrainn, I., Fallon, H. (Eds). Galway: CELT, 2005. Released under Creative Commons NC SA licence.
• Goldring, L. & Wood, J. (2007) A guide to the facilitation of Enquiry-Based Learning for graduate students.

See also

Here are links to resources and further information on Wikimedia project spaces

• Wikipedia article on inquiry-based learning