How to use inquiry based learning with young learners

How to use inquiry based leaning with young learners

Curiosity and motivation lie at the heart of inquiry-based education. Inquiry-based learning follows a three-step process that you can incorporate into many curriculums. Students ask themselves three questions about any new subject being introduced:

1. What do I already know about the subject?
2. What do I want to know about the subject?
3. What have I learned about the subject?

Starting with a big question

Inquiry-based learning normally begins with an open-ended 'big question' that has many possible answers. This question acts as a catalyst to get students thinking more deeply about the subject.

Finding out what students already know

After you introduce the big question to the class, get students to consider what they already know about the subject matter.

Finding out what students want to know

Establishing what students know is essential for them to begin the second step: what do students want to know? This step allows students to freely wonder about the world around them.

Embarking on a discovery phase in the learning process

Students, with your help and guidance, now embark on the discovery phase of the learning process.

Finding out what students have learned

Finally, after a series of lessons in which students explore a subject, they are ready for the third step: discussing what they have learned.

Summing up

Essentially, inquiry-based learning is a natural way to learn a second language. It allows students much more control of their learning experience, while teachers help and guide them along. It encourages our children’s natural curiosity and sense of wonder about the world around them.