Inquiry-Based Learning: Why is it important?

Engaging students in higher order thinking can be difficult without the right tools. Inquiry-based learning is a useful teaching method that can deliver higher order thinking to students through investigation and analysis. 

3 Connections to Student Teaching

Throughout student teaching I will be facilitating the learning process for my students. Inquiry-based learning will aid me in formulating lessons that I can have the students investigate an issue that will have multiple solutions. The teaching method is student centered because they are formulating questions, investigating, and then analyzing the answers or results to the issue. Through this method I will be able to engage students in higher order thinking to encourage a deeper understanding of the topic. For example, I would be able to take a small engines class and have them troubleshoot a complete engine system that may or may not have multiple issues. They would have to determine the issues, investigate why it is occurring, fix the engine, and finally analyze their efficiency and success.

2 Connections to #TeachAg Journey

In AEE 350 we had worked on engines in the beginning to learn the functions of an engine. Through the experience we had to make the connections of all the parts in an engine to the whole system. In AEE 412 we had a similar assignment to inquiry-based learning, where we had to teach a problem solving approach lesson. It is not the same, but it is similar in the fact that students are analyzing an issue and finding solutions to fix the issue.

1 Triangular Connection

In the article "What the Heck is Inquiry-Based Learning?" by Edutopia, the author mentions that inquiry-based learning transfers responsibility from the teacher to the student ultimately engaging them into the lesson.