How do you organize inquiry-based learning?

1 Define the inquiry

The first step is to define the inquiry that will guide the learning process. You can choose a topic that is relevant to your curriculum, your students' interests, or a real-world issue. The inquiry should be open-ended, challenging, and meaningful. You can use a question, a problem, or a scenario as the starting point. For example, "How can we reduce food waste in our school?" or "What factors affect the growth of plants?" or "How can we design a sustainable house?".

2 Plan the process

The next step is to plan the process that will help students answer the inquiry. You can use a framework, such as the 5E model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), to structure the inquiry-based learning cycle. You can also decide on the resources, materials, and tools that students will need to access information, conduct experiments, and create products. You can also determine the roles and responsibilities of the teacher and the students, such as facilitator, coach, guide, researcher, presenter, etc.

3 Support the inquiry

The third step is to support the inquiry by providing scaffolding, feedback, and differentiation. You can scaffold the inquiry by giving students prompts, cues, examples, or templates to help them formulate questions, plan investigations, or organize findings. You can also provide feedback by asking questions, making suggestions, or giving praise to help students monitor and improve their learning. You can also differentiate the inquiry by offering choices, options, or adaptations to meet the diverse needs and abilities of your students.

4 Assess the inquiry

The fourth step is to assess the inquiry by using formative and summative methods. You can use formative assessment to check students' understanding, progress, and challenges throughout the inquiry process. You can use tools such as observations, checklists, rubrics, or self-assessments to gather evidence of learning. You can also use summative assessment to measure students' achievement, skills, and attitudes at the end of the inquiry process. You can use tools such as tests, quizzes, reports, portfolios, or presentations to evaluate learning outcomes.

5 Reflect on the inquiry

The fifth step is to reflect on the inquiry by asking students and yourself to think about what they learned, how they learned, and what they can improve. You can use strategies such as journals, surveys, discussions, or exit tickets to encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings about the inquiry process. You can also use strategies such as peer review, self-review, or teacher review to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the inquiry process. You can also use the reflection as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and challenges of the inquiry process.

6 Extend the inquiry

The sixth step is to extend the inquiry by connecting it to other topics, subjects, or contexts. You can use activities such as cross-curricular projects, field trips, guest speakers, or community service to help students apply their learning to new situations. You can also use activities such as further research, follow-up questions, or action plans to help students deepen their learning and pursue their interests. You can also use the extension as a way to inspire students to continue their inquiry journey and become lifelong learners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?