Inquiry Based Instruction

By: Amy, Sara, Rachael, Cynthia

What is Inquiry Based Instruction?

• A dynamic teaching technique in which teachers create situations in which students are to solve problems on their very own.

Key Components

• Activating prior knowledge• Providing background information• Defining outcomes/objectives• Providing framework• Establish a general topic• Conduct research• Refine their thinking • Include technology

Criteria for a Successful Inquiry

• Guided exploration as a whole class.• Small group inquiry about open-ended issue.• Encourage students to ask questions.• Work in groups to achieve diversity of views.• Predict, set goals, define outcomes.• Find or create information

Criteria for a Successful Inquiry continued…

• Instruction serves as a guide to help students meet their goals.

• Create a tangible artifact that makes learning visible.

• Learning is actualized and accountable in the end product

• Arrive at a conclusion• Share conclusion with larger audience.

Benefits

• Students are more motivated• Helps develop information literacy and critical

thinking skills• Encourages self-direction• Develops student ownership• Helps them become better learners

Some more benefits…

• Reinforces growth• Can be adapted for any age group• Give students opportunity to teach and learn

from each other• Teaches problem-solving and disciplinary

content

Examples

• Elementary:– What's all the Stink about Stink Bugs?– Inquiry Based Instruction!

• Secondary:– Modern Museum of Romanticism

ReFeReNcEs

• http://www.neiu.edu/~middle/Modules/science%20mods/amazon%20components/AmazonComponents2.html#theory

• http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/demonstration.html

• http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/wc075 • http://questgarden.com/80/56/4/090414191926/ind

ex.htm