Prior to beginning this course, I assumed that 'Inquiry Based Learning' referred to learning based on questioning. I have learned over the past week that there is much more to inquiry based learning than just questioning. I have learned that is a process... it isn't simply questioning. It involved questioning, investigating, creating knowledge, discussion and reflection (CITES and GSLIS at the University of Illinois, 2010). Each part of inquiry based learning leads to the next step in the process. I have learned that ideally that the student should be at the center of the learning in an inquiry based classroom. I know that I have a hard time not just telling the students the answer, but in inquiry based learning, the teacher should step back and let the student come to their own conclusion. The teacher's role is to support and facilitate the steps in the inquiry process. I also like how dynamic the process is. I could give the same line of questioning to all 5 of my classes, and each class (or student) could come up with their own answer or perspective to the same question.
I also believe that students learn the best when they are given responsibility over their own learning. Having students in the driver seat of their own learning allows them not only to learn the targeted content, but learn important problem solving and critical thinking skills that they will need throughout life. Issues and problems come up all the time in life. Instead of these students looking for someone to just tell them the answer, they will be able to come up with solutions and answers for themselves. School isn't just about teaching content, it is also teaching fundamental life skills. May students these days will just ask what the correct answer is... it is our job as educators to not give in to this and challenge them to think for themselves.
I like how inquiry based learning acknowledges and supports the fact that there is on 'one-sized fits all' model for education. It also supports differentiating our instruction. What works for one class, might not work for another. And that difference is expected and welcomed. It is the teacher's job to create a structured environment for the student to be responsible for their own learning.
My perspective of inquiry based learning has expanded... not necessarily changed. I use questioning in my lessons all the time. This week has reaffirmed that I am on the right track. I would like to know how to get my students more independent and responsible for their own learning. I sometimes get frustrated (and they do too). I hear all the time "Why don't you just tell me what I need to know" or "Is this going to be on the test?". I want to get my 9th graders from just memorizing information to becoming critical thinking young adults. With some it is easy, but there are some that will always try to take the easy way out. I would like more tools in my tool belt to deal with these students.
CITES and GSLIS at the University of Illinois. (2010, October
27). Inquiry Page. Retrieved June 23, 2015, from Inquiry Page: Learning
begins with questions: http://www.cii.illinois.edu/InquiryPage/index.html
