Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Why We Should Have Inquiry-based Learning in Social Studies

"Oyster with Pearls." Photo.
Retrieved from http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/does-every-oyster-have-a-pearl/

"Why then, the world's mine oyster!"

--Shakespeare, The Merry Wives of Windsor

"Inquiry-based learning" is a phrase thrown around in educational theory and policy with increasing regularity. Is it really all it's cracked up to be? I'm going to say a big yes to that. Inquiry-based learning is something that would be a great addition to any classroom, but is not without its challenges. In this post, I'm going to share some challenges and benefits of incorporating inquiry-based learning into the classroom. 

Make Sure You're Well Prepared

Initially there is a lot of legwork the teacher has to do to prepare the students for the more independent work they must do as part of their projects. The teacher needs to model many different formats of presenting knowledge e.g. how to make a Prezi, how to summarize effectively, how to use iMovie, etc. Once that initial stage is finished though, the teacher’s job is much more as a facilitator than a lecturer. 

42, or the Answer to the Ultimate Question

Remember in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series how the answer to life, the universe, and everything was 42, but nobody knew what the question was? Finding the right question can be the hardest part of inquiry (or life, the universe, and everything, really). Educators must make sure students are asking appropriate questions in their projects. A question that is too broad or specific could end up causing frustration and difficulties for the student in conducting their investigation. There needs to be a fine balance between student ideas and teacher guidance to find good inquiry questions. 

Down the Internet Rabbit-hole

Another challenge may be student supervision and keeping them on task (how much of a challenge this is depends on your individual class). Because the students have free reign in terms of how they use their research time, some of the less focused students in the class may turn off track, so it is up to the teacher to be diligent in keeping everyone using their class time effectively.  

Freeeedommm!!

I am a big fan of inquiry-based learning and think that the pros certainly outweigh any cons of this teaching method. First, it gives students much greater freedom to explore their own interests and develop their own passions. Through becoming better acquainted with a topic, they may even find something that becomes a lifelong interest, or even a career.

Efficient Use of Limited Instructional Time

It allows teachers to be able to cover a large amount of curriculum material in a short period of time. Rather than trying to teach every little detail of the events and society in New France, by splitting the class up into various topics, each group or student can become an expert on a certain facet of the main concept and together the class can pool their knowledge at the end of the inquiry.           

It's Perfect for Differentiated Instruction

Inquiry- or project-based learning is much more accommodating to differentiated instruction. Rather than the traditional test-taking environment, where only a certain type of student is able to thrive, inquiry gives students the opportunity to play to their strengths. A student that is proficient in public speaking can shine when they give a presentation, in a way they might not have if the teacher had made them write an essay. ELL students can represent ideas visually instead of having to rely on writing they may not be confident with.

Develop Teamwork Skills While Learning

The last benefit I want to mention is the importance of collaboration in inquiry-based learning. Figuring out how to operate cohesively as a team is a skill that students will require no matter where life takes them (unless they are going to become a hermit, but that is unlikely). The projects help teach students leadership, how to delegate tasks, work equitably, and have fun with their friends as they’re learning. 

What has been your experiences with inquiry- and project-based learning? Inquiring minds want to know... (sorry I had to add that in once more...because puns and wordplay fill the void in my heart)