Inquiriesbaserat

Inquiriesbaserat is a term used to describe an approach that centers on questions and investigations as the primary drivers of learning or inquiry. The word combines inquiry with baserat (based), indicating that knowledge construction proceeds from inquiry rather than from predefined facts. While the term is most commonly encountered in Swedish-speaking educational contexts, it is closely related to the international concept of inquiry-based learning.

In education, inquiriesbaserat emphasizes student-driven questions, data collection, interpretation, and communication of findings. Teachers or mentors guide rather than dictate, providing scaffolds such as modeling questions, offering resources, and supporting assessment through evidence of reasoning. The approach seeks to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and metacognitive skills alongside subject knowledge.

Implementation typically begins with a compelling question or problem. Learners formulate subquestions and hypotheses, plan and conduct investigations, collect and analyze data, and draw evidence-based conclusions. Finally, they reflect on limitations and communicate results. Inquiriesbaserat can be implemented as guided inquiry, open inquiry, or a mix, and assessment often balances process with product, emphasizing reasoning, documentation, and justification.

Benefits reported for inquiriesbaserat include deeper understanding, improved transfer of skills, and higher engagement. Challenges include the demands on time and resources, the need for teacher professional development, ensuring the quality of questions, and aligning activities with curricular standards. Critics note that outcomes can vary with implementation quality and that equitable access to materials is essential. Related concepts include inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and constructivist educational theory.