InquiryBased

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is an instructional approach in which learners actively build knowledge by asking questions, planning and conducting investigations, gathering and evaluating evidence, and communicating conclusions. Rather than presenting established facts, teachers facilitate inquiry by providing problems, resources, and guidance.

Variants range from structured inquiry (teacher-designed questions with guided steps) to open inquiry (students formulate questions and carry out investigations with minimal guidance). Many classrooms use guided inquiry, where teachers support and scaffold while students pursue questions.

A typical cycle includes posing a question or problem, planning and conducting investigations, collecting data, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, and reflecting on the process. Collaboration, hands-on activities, and authentic sources are common features.

Benefits include development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific literacy, along with motivation and autonomy. Challenges include time demands, need for teacher expertise in facilitating inquiry, and assessment difficulties.

In education policy and standards, inquiry-based approaches are emphasized in science education and STEM curricula; frameworks like the Next Generation Science Standards advocate for scientific practices such as asking questions, planning investigations, and constructing explanations.