What is inquiry based instruction? The University of Florida explained it well, "Inquiry-based teaching is a teaching method that combines the curiosity of students and the scientific method to enhance the development of critical thinking skills while learning science." This type of instruction focuses on students inquiring into the information instead of being instructed in the topic. When using inquiry based teachers will have the students discover the problem, investigate it, research it and connect their findings. This makes the classroom more student centered while the teacher becomes more of a facilitator. This developed the students skills to think critically about a topic. A skill that is transferable to everyday life.
There are 4 types of inquiry the first being structured. This is when the students are given a step-by-step instruction that has all the information they need and the questions to prompt them. The next is guided inquiry when the students are given materials and asked to make something. They are guided by the instructor but use creativity to make their object. Then there is open inquiry when students are given materials and must discover the process behind how they work. Lastly is the learning cycle when students follow guided inquiry procedures and then discuss their findings.
As a teacher facilitation inquiry based learning can be difficult. First, you must be very knowledgeable in the subject. It is possible that the students take a route that you never planned for and by being an expert in the subject you can help steer them in the right direction. You must identify the procedure (usually the scientific method) that students will follow to inquire into the information. This could be as simple as state the problem, research, findings and conclusion or it could be much more elaborate. Lastly, be sure to work your way into inquiry based instruction. If you or your students are not used to this type of instruction you should work them into it. Start with a small activity that students will inquire into and then developed it into a project or problem.
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