By Edward P. Clapp
My colleagues and I think of inquiry in terms of questioning, looking and listening closely, experimenting, and focusing on the processes of learning. An inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning is one that is student centered and exploratory—all with the goal of attending to content within a particular subject area.
Beyond rote learning, taking an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning may support young people not only in gaining knowledge, but also in developing deep understanding about a topic area. If young people can develop a sense of deep understanding through inquiry-based teaching and learning, then they will not only possess the knowledge they have developed, but will be able to perform their understanding of a particular topic.
Inquiry is a vehicle for understanding. And understanding, different from the accumulation of knowledge, entails being flexible with what one knows. It is this flexibility that, we hope, will support young people in exhibiting the proficiency of standards that are required of them in many school settings, while also giving them the opportunity to further perform their understanding in new and exciting ways.
Finally, giving students “choice” assignments can allow their sense of inquiry to blossom, while advancing their understanding of content. Allowing students autonomy—the ability to choose how to express their knowledge to their teacher—is an essential gateway to engagement; when students feel empowered, they become more excited to learn. View a selection of “choice” assignments here.
My colleagues and I think of inquiry in terms of questioning, looking and listening closely, experimenting, and focusing on the processes of learning. An inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning is one that is student centered and exploratory—all with the goal of attending to content within a particular subject area.
Beyond rote learning, taking an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning may support young people not only in gaining knowledge, but also in developing deep understanding about a topic area. If young people can develop a sense of deep understanding through inquiry-based teaching and learning, then they will not only possess the knowledge they have developed, but will be able to perform their understanding of a particular topic.
Inquiry is a vehicle for understanding. And understanding, different from the accumulation of knowledge, entails being flexible with what one knows. It is this flexibility that, we hope, will support young people in exhibiting the proficiency of standards that are required of them in many school settings, while also giving them the opportunity to further perform their understanding in new and exciting ways.
Finally, giving students “choice” assignments can allow their sense of inquiry to blossom, while advancing their understanding of content. Allowing students autonomy—the ability to choose how to express their knowledge to their teacher—is an essential gateway to engagement; when students feel empowered, they become more excited to learn. View a selection of “choice” assignments here.
Research Map