Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) is constructed on the belief that learners need critical thinking rather than memorization skills (Justice et al. 2009). This type of learning approach puts the learner in the driver seat and works towards developing academic skills with guidance from the instructor. The learners develop questions, then find their own answers with the instructor guiding them in the right path (Justice et al. 2009).
There is heavy emphasis on learner engagement and connection to real-world situations. As seen in this course, real-world situation and application is related to the constructionism learning theory, which emphasizes input from realistic settings to be the necessary environment for learning to occur (Ertmer & Newby, 2018). In addition, IBL takes place in environments where learners must be open-minded in learning and assessing information, as well as building a new understanding whilst actively seeking knowledge (Justice et al. 2009). This idea ties into Ertmer & Newby’s classification of constructionism learning theory, where learners must construct their own understanding and then validate new perspectives (2018), which connect closely to IBL.
IBL also looks at motivation as a result of the curiosity to explore and discover the answers to the learners’ questions as they work to develop problems to solve on their own (Justice et al. 2009). As motivation comes from the natural desire to learn and be proficient at something (Merrill, 2018), that means that motivation can only be an outcome of engaging and effective lessons.
Of the First Principles of Instruction (Merrill, 2018), IBL seems to emphasize activation, application, integration, and problem centered principles. Activation refers to using prior knowledge to build new skills off of (Merrill, 2018), which IBL uses in a way that learners use their prior knowledge to think of questions, then act on finding answers for those questions (Justice et al. 2009). Application is defined as how learners use their new knowledge in real practice or situations (Merrill, 2018), which IBL covers through active participation in questions and answers and incorporating real-life tasks within lessons and based on its alignment with the constructionism theory. IBL includes integration, which is explained as learners sharing and reflecting on their work collaboratively (Merrill, 2018), through “open minded discussions, the questioning of assumptions, and critical assessment of information, evidence and argument.” (Justice et al. 2009). Lastly, the link between IBL and problem centered principles is a major part of IBL, as these lessons are designed off of problem-based learning (Justice et al. 2009). Overall, IBL highlights the first principles of instruction very well, hence making this method of learning highly efficient and practical for deeper understanding of topics that go beyond merely memorizing information.
Our Learning Resource is based on English language learning, and with any languages, I believe that it is best to work with colleagues and focus on interaction to enhance learning. IBL is similar in the way that we designed our lesson in the way that there is peer collaboration and students are put in the spotlight rather than the instructor. The instructor serves as a support figure rather than a lecturer.
References
Justice, C., Rice, J., Roy, D., Hudspith, B., & Jenkins, H. (2009). Inquiry-Based Learning in Higher Education: Administrators’ Perspectives on Integrating Inquiry Pedagogy into the Curriculum. Higher Education, 58(6), 841–855. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-009-9228-7
Ertmer, P. A. & Newby, T. (2018). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features From an Instructional Design Perspective. In R. E. West (Ed.), Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/behaviorism_cognitivism_constructivism
Merrill, M. D. (2018). Using the First Principles of Instruction to Make Instruction Effective, Efficient, and Engaging. In R. E. West (Ed.), Foundations of Learning and Instructional Design Technology. EdTech Books. https://edtechbooks.org/lidtfoundations/using_the_first_principles_of_instruction
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