Inquiry learning is the process of exploring academic content by posing, investigating, and seeking answers to complex questions.  With inquiry-based learning, students actively pursue ideas rather than passively receive knowledge from the instructor.

Since our brains are neurologically wired to ask and answer questions about the world around us, inquiry-based learning can organically increase student motivation in your class.  

Our goal with this article is to demystify inquiry learning and to provide simple tips for the successful implementation of inquiry-based instruction with your students.

Table of contents:

1. The benefits of inquiry learning
2. The inquiry process (4 steps)
3. Sample essential questions
4. Six teacher concerns regarding inquiry learning
5. Inquiry terms to know
6. Inquiry projects

The benefits of inquiry-based learning

1. Inquiry increases student engagement and motivation.

The inquiry process taps into the natural curiosity of each student.  

2. Inquiry becomes their work as opposed to simply another teacher-assigned task. 

OK, realistically, everything in class is “assigned”, but inquiry feels more purposeful.  Students identify gaps in their understanding and then seek answers to their questions.  

3. Inquiry gets students thinking critically.

Inquiry learning encourages students to think deeply about interesting and complex real-world questions.  As students research, they must analyze information for relevance and accuracy.

4. Inquiry improves teacher/student dynamics. 

In my opinion, inquiry-based learning can transform classroom dynamics.

Traditionally, one of a teacher’s primary roles is to keep students on task:  “Here’s the assignment. Get to work, please.”  

Since inquiry places the student at the center of the process, the teacher can serve as more of a learning guide than a taskmaster.  

5. Inquiry works well with a wide variety of skill levels.

The teacher can easily add or remove supports as needed.  Inquiry has multiple entry points for classes with diverse skill levels and interests.

6. Inquiry helps students develop skills.

Students hone skills such as collaboration, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.  Additionally, they grapple with ambiguous real-world questions that often lack right/wrong answers.

The inquiry process (4 steps)

Students identify prior knowledge and knowledge gaps. In this way, students create questions to guide their research even when the teacher provides the essential question.

What are some examples of essential questions?

The best essential questions are complex, open-ended, and relevant to both the students and your content area.

Social Science: What are some examples of individual rights that conflict with the common good, and how should the government respond?

Math: How are mathematical models used in fields like medicine, climate science, or sports analytics?

English: What makes a leader effective or ineffective according to the events in The Lord of the Flies?

Science: How are different ecosystems – like oceans, forests, and polar regions – affected by rising temperatures?

Step #2: Explore  

Students research to find answers to the supporting questions they created in Step 1.

Step #3: Create

Students organize research findings and draw conclusions.  Ideally, conclusions are original thinking, not ideas found online.

Students then share their findings by creating a product to demonstrate their learning. 

Finally, they (optionally) present their learning product.

Step #4: Reflect

Students reflect in two ways:

1. What they learned about the topic

2. How the inquiry process itself worked (or didn’t work) for them.

6 teacher concerns regarding inquiry learning

No lie, inquiry is hard for students.  Students are not accustomed to asking questions – many are just more comfortable answering questions with a “right answer” that can easily be found in their textbook or notes.

So be prepared for some growing pains when starting with inquiry learning.  

Stress to students that they are not trying to find one “right” answer.  They are trying to increase their understanding of a topic or situation.  By the end, they should recognize that their knowledge of a topic has grown, but there remains more to know.

Concern #1: Inquiry sounds time-consuming.   I have a lot of content to cover…how many days of class do I allocate to inquiry?

Inquiry is an investment of time.  A typical inquiry task might look like this:

• 1 day for brainstorming prior knowledge, plus what students want to know more about the topic 
• 2-3 days for creating a list of supporting questions plus research  
• 2-3 days for students to draw conclusions and create a learning product
• 1 day to present (optional)

Tip: Aim for inquiry-based learning experiences to comprise 10-20% of the class time during the school year –  roughly one week per quarter.

Concern #2: My students aren’t ready to answer complex, open-ended questions on their own.

Many students are indeed more comfortable with straightforward, recall-type questions.  

Start with guided inquiry, a model in which the teacher retains most of the control.  Guided inquiry resembles a traditional teacher-led unit with one or more essential questions guiding the learning.

Concern #3: My students lack the necessary skills to work independently.

Here are a few ideas:

• Start with a guided inquiry (a model in which you retain most of the control)
• Use graphic organizers to help students organize their thoughts
• Provide clear models and examples for every step
• Choose attainable essential questions for your age group
• Instead of relying on inquiry to teach basic facts, place an inquiry task at the end of a unit to build on existing knowledge

Concern #4: My students lack the background knowledge for a meaningful exploration of an academic topic.

There is a case to be made for inquiry-type tasks only being placed near the end of an academic unit after students have learned the basics from you.

Start with guided inquiry, a model in which the teacher retains most of the control. 

Concern #5: Inquiry learning sounds like unstructured class time.  I don’t think that will work for my students.

You can increase the amount of structure through:

– Graphic organizers

– Project checklists

– Mini-deadlines that are graded

– Clear daily objectives

Concern #6: Previous attempts at inquiry produced poor results – lackluster learning products and little evidence of actual learning.

Try to focus on the process over the product:

– Value critical thinking development

– Celebrate question creation

– Recognize research skills growth

– Understand that the learning happens in the journey

– “Success” might look different for each student

Depending on your student population, inquiry may be new to your students.  The first attempt will be a learning opportunity for you and the students.  Don’t give up.  Start small, adjust based on results, and remember that students are building valuable thinking skills even when products aren’t perfect.

Here are some inquiry learning “terms to know.” 

If you’re ready to give inquiry-based learning a try, check out the following ready-to-go projects on:

• Renewable Energy
• Teen Health and Wellness Issues
• Ethical Questions in Science
• Autonomous Vehicles
• Deepfakes and Disinformation
• Social Media Algorithms
• Artificial Intelligence
• Emotional Health and Wellness
• Global Issues

For inquiry resources that work with ANY topic, take a look at the link below!