Learn About Inquiry-Based Learning - Examples & Strategies

Inquiry-based learning is a learning process that encourages students to ask questions, gather information, and accumulate knowledge through a problem-solving and investigation process.

This approach to education has gained popularity due to its ability to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. For instance, this approach is known to develop students' soft skills—teamwork and communication, as well as adaptability and critical thinking—which are important competencies that students need as they navigate complex situations in this day and age.

Read on to learn more about the inquiry-based learning approach and some strategies parents can adopt in their day-to-day lives.

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-based learning helps students to connect what they have learnt in the classroom with their everyday experiences, increasing their awareness of the world around them.

At Invictus Singapore, our inquiry learning approach fosters creativity, innovation, and analytical abilities among our students, and helps them build transferable skills needed for success.

What are the 3 Types of Inquiry-Based Learning?

Here, we'll explore the three types of inquiry-based learning and how they can enhance student learning.

1. Structured Inquiry: This is a teaching method where the teacher provides resources and step-by-step guidelines, and students follow an organised method to investigate and find a predetermined solution to a problem or question.

2. Guided Inquiry: Guided inquiry is a learning approach where the teacher presents the research questions and procedures. However, unlike structured inquiry, students are leading the inquiry process on what processes they want to follow and what solutions to seek.

3. Open Inquiry: In open inquiry, students get to select their own inquiry question and approach. They are involved in continuous decision-making through the entire process, which requires high-order thinking capabilities.

What are Examples of Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-based learning is a student-centred approach that promotes learning ownership and skills development beyond the classroom. Below are three examples of inquiry-based learning:

1. Science experiments

Invictus Singapore prioritises a first-hand learning process and incorporates multi-sensory and experiential techniques in teaching. Through our science lessons, students are given opportunities for hands-on experiments and research, building a practical foundation for scientific knowledge. This empowers our students to take ownership of their own learning and develop skills beyond the classroom.

2. Field Trips And Community Involvement

At Invictus Singapore, we frequently organise field trips and community involvement programmes for each year group, providing outdoor learning experiences and opportunities for students to explore beyond the classroom environment.

Some examples are visits to the SPCA, so students can learn about animal welfare and the value of kindness towards others, or trips to beaches and gardens so that students can take part in cleanup and learn about economic conservation and social responsibility. These activities brings the curriculum to life and enable students to engage with the subject matter more meaningfully.

3. Virtues Program

Through the use of our Virtues Programme, we drive the character development of our students. We make use of this initiative to develop their personal and social skills, and nurture them into considerate and cooperative adults. Students are rewarded and acknowledged for their efforts in adhering to these virtues, giving them plenty of positive reinforcement and encouragement.

We hold regular lessons that revolve around this Virtues Project, creating a platform for students to take ownership of their learning and character development.

What are the Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-based learning greatly benefits students by helping them absorb and retain school material better. It encourages students to gain a conceptual understanding of the subject matter, and supports an alternative learning style compared to traditional rote memorisation.

On top of that, this form of learning empowers students to think and reason independently and reflectively, encouraging them to become more responsible when they're making decisions. At Invictus Singapore, we aim to use this method to motivate and engage students better, increasing their joy of learning throughout the entire learning journey.

What are some Inquiry-Based Learning Strategies?

Here are four strategies parents can use to support their child's inquiry-based learning:

1. Keep it simple: To encourage children's love for learning and exploration, parents can try fun activities such as borrowing library books outside their usual preferences, setting up a provocation table with different items, and creating a small table with chalk.

2. Be observers: Observation is a crucial skill that students should practice by being more mindful of their surroundings and vocalising their observations.

3.  Include enjoyable projects: Children are naturally curious and eager to explore. At home, you can encourage creativity with fun projects like "I Spy", robotic kits, and stop-motion animation.

4. Be a co-learner: Parents can become co-learners and facilitate collaboration by encouraging curiosity and excitement in learning. For instance, when a child asks a question, it is better to reply, “let's find out the answer together!"

Ready to Experience the Excitement of Learning?

 At Invictus Singapore, we are committed to nurturing the curious minds of every child through inquiry-based instruction.

Our approach encourages students to explore their interests and passions and foster their sense of intellectual wonder, while our educators work alongside them and provide the important tools and resources that they need to succeed. Students learn how to nourish their own curiosity, and develop the inquiry skills needed to become self-directed learners.

Book a tour with us today to see first-hand how we cultivate intellectual curiosity and a love of learning in our students!