Inquiry-Based Learning: The Ultimate Guide

This video is about Inquiry-Based Learning.

In The Order of Phoenix, the fifth of the Harry Potter series, Dolorus Umbridge takes over as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and instantly transforms the class into a textbook-based class focused on passing the standardized tests. When Harry questions whether this will prepare them for the chaos of fighting against Vold . . . err . . . um . . . he who must not be named . . . Umbridge punishes him and he ends up forming his own school within a school called Dumbledore's Army.

Dumbledore's Army is purely inquiry-based. While Harry is the teacher, he is mostly a guide on the side, empowering the students to ask questions and find the answers themselves. They rely on each other and on various spell books to solve problems and answer their questions. While the process might seem messy compared to Umbridge's approach, the students learn at a rapid pace because they aren't wasting time repeating what they already know.

This is an example of inquiry-based learning.

Although since it takes place in the UK, it's probably enquiry-based learning.

History of Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning has existed for thousands of years. Socrates and Confucius both used variations on an inquiry-based format. It's a critical component of the scientific method of the early enlightenment and it was a core idea within both Dewey and Montessori's notions of student-centered learning.

Pedaste shares a model of the four phases of inquiry. It starts with orientation, which is often a discussion. From there, it moves into conceptualization, where students generate questions and define a hypothesis. This leads to investigation, where students explore, experiment, and interpret data, often in a way that is flexible and dynamic. Finally, they move into a a conclusion.

Heather Banchi and Randy Bell define four different types of inquiry that you can view on a spectrum from teacher-centered / structured to learner-centered / open.

Level 1 is Confirmation Inquiry, where the teacher teachers the concepts, creates the questions, and models the process for students.
Level 2: is Structured Inquiry, where the teacher creates the initial questions and shares the procedures then walk through the rest of the inquiry process by collecting and analyzing data and drawing conclusions.
Level 3 is Guided Inquiry, where the teacher provides the research questions but students own the research or experimentation process.
Level 4 is Open/True Inquiry. Here students formulate their own questions, design their own experiments or research, collect their own data, and share their findings.

According to Banchi and Bell, teachers should start with levels 1 and 2 and use those as scaffolding, so that students can learn the inquiry process.

Here are a few places you can start with inquiry-based learning.

In language arts or social studies, you can do a wonder-day or wonder week project, where students develop their own questions and move through the inquiry process. You can also do a Genius Hour project, where students not only ask their own questions but design their own product as a result. In math, you can have students explore a concept and develop their own problems. And in science, you could do a science fair project or a myth-buster style approach to testing an urban legend.

If we want students to own their learning, we need them to remain curious. And this is why inquiry-based learning is so valuable.

SOURCES:

Bell, T.; Urhahne, D.; Schanze, S.; Ploetzner, R. (2010). "Collaborative inquiry learning: Models, tools, and challenges". International Journal of Science Education. 3 (1): 349–377. Bibcode:2010IJSEd..32..349B.

Bruner, J. S. (1961). "The act of discovery". Harvard Educational Review 31 (1): 21–32.
*Note that this is a great work from Bruner, who is one of my favorite theorists

[cheriesmith]

I love that you used Harry Potter as the analogy here! I've always wanted to do this!! :)

[katinarobalino]

This is a great video that showcases how we as teachers can move from a teacher-centered style to a student-centered classroom. I am guilty of taking over the lesson when I see my students struggle because we are short on time, but this helped break down how we as teachers can differentiate the method in one of the four levels of Inquiry-based learning

[wngscih]

I love this because it allows the students to work together and understand that there is a problem that needs to be solved, which allows them to think for themselves which better prepares them for the real world. I also think the four levels of inquiry-based learning allows for a further understanding of the why.

[valeriemillwee]

I am guilty of asking too many guiding questions because I am in a hurry to get to the point. I need to remember that this is a differentiation technique great for all learners. Harry Potter was student led and an engaging example!

[dkbswisdom]

Good example of harry Potter in the beggining.. Nd the explanation of ur own abt the inquiry👏👏👏👏👏

[elainemcswain]

Reminder that teacher is the guide, where students can learn at a rapid pace without wasting time with repetitive thought. The 4 concepts are a good organizing tool .

[hellenommani]

precisely on point. The big idea of raising a generation that can identify a problem think critically an and find a solution is something every teacher should strive to impact in every child's life.

[michaelnowland]

I love this analogy. Will use this forever.

[elizabethrachelmosuti]

Great video! Simple, concise, and straightforward.

[deirdrecooper]

this is just brilliant!! you have researched and included such a wide range or sources here! included pedagogical theory, all in an easy to view format. Thank you so much for your great work

[erbiemariebenitez]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful lesson

[harmoen]

My classes have done genius hour projects a few times but it always just feels like another research project that you're being graded on

[maryadam]

Thank you so much for your video! It has been very helpful!

[btanonymous]

The example at the beginning from the Harry Potter movies was perfect!

[buffalobill]

We had to do a horrible science project in grade 10 - 15 years of age. We had to drop things and conclude about whether things fall at different speeds based on mass or something. It was awful. I didn't enjoy it any better than typical science instruction such as experiments run in class. I know there's a Bunsen Burner and flame and hole on it. There's acidic and basic I think it's a scale from alkaline to acidic: low pH to higher pH.

There was also litmus paper which is where you get the term litmus test. I think it goes blue perhaps or purple. Idk.

[Catsaresupergreat]

Wonderful! Just a little bit of feedback - the background music was too loud for me to really hear and digest what you were saying. Maybe it's just me, but I thought I would share this. Great content, thanks.

[SD-rwvc]

Thankyou for the Harry Potter analogy, this helped me so much in my understanding, I have an essay on IBL due tomorrow

[jessicabosch]

Using my favorite movie to help me learn for my worst subject. thank you

[metatronascension]

but it makes the person think they come up with the idea on their own when in fact the teacher guided them to what they thought was the "right" answer. you have to be careful how they trick people into a certain way of thinking.

[asphyviaa]

visual example (Harry potter is a good choice), very good explanation to people who find this an easier way to understand, step-by-step process, guides. This video is very educational to youngsters, who are new to inquiries, and to those who need a good refresher. I like this content :)