RSA #2 Inquiry Based Learning

This week in class, the module topic was focused on Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL). After completing the readings listed on the class’s blackboard site, I was able to come to a greater understanding of what IBL is, and I received some ideas on how to properly use it. IBL as you may gather from its title is centered around student inquiry or questioning. IBL often starts with the instructor posing a question. The website teachthought.com has an infographic that was included on this week’s module page. According to the infographic, students move between the stages of the inquiry process at various speeds and may be on different stages than their peers. Students are given real questions, they find resources, interpret information from those resources, and they report their findings.

Image Source

While searching through resources I may use in my own classroom, I came across an article by Owens, Hester, and Teale titled “Where do you want to go today? Inquiry-based learning and technology integration” which followed two projects incorporating inquiry in urban education settings with technology playing a key role. Owen et al stated that interest, a plan, and a purpose are important factors for the learning process. “We have found that more than any other single factor, a student’s topic choice, and the actual questions associated with the topic, affect how well the inquiry turns out” (Owen et al, 2002).

Both resources mentioned discuss how IBL can improve student comprehension on a given topic. The article by Owens et al offers numerous suggestions on how to improve success with IBL. While the article is over ten years old, it offers insightful information into IBL.

In choosing a favorite pedagogy for learning so far in Educational Technology 6030, Inquiry-Based Learning seems to be the most applicable to my teaching style and my students.

References

Owens, R.F, Hester, J.L., & Teale, W.H. (April, 2002). Owning technology. The Reading Teacher, 55(7). 616-625. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/20205108

TeachThought Staff (2013, October 25). 20 questions to guide inquiry-based learning. te@chthought. Retrieved from http://www.teachthought.com/learning/20-questions-guide-inquiry-based-learning/