Inquiry-based learning is an educational approach where learning starts by posing questions, problems, or scenarios rather than presenting facts directly. It focuses on active learning, where students take an active role in their education by investigating and researching issues to develop knowledge or solutions. Teachers act more as facilitators rather than lecturers. Key characteristics of inquiry-based learning include:
- Creating their own questions
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- Explaining and connecting findings to existing knowledge
- Constructing arguments and justifications for their explanations
There are different levels of inquiry-based learning, ranging from structured activities with teacher guidance to open inquiry where students formulate their own questions and design their investigations. This approach encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills, making it highly learner-centered and often used in small investigations, projects, or research contexts. It fosters curiosity, motivation, and deeper understanding through exploration and discovery. Overall, inquiry-based learning encourages students to learn "how to think" rather than "what to think," promoting lifelong learning skills by letting students engage meaningfully with real-world questions and problems. The teacher's role is to facilitate and support students through their inquiry process.
