Inquiry-Based Learning

Topic: Teachers Perception regarding the Influence of Inquiry based learning on Science Students Performance

1-      In your opinion what is inquiry based learning?

In my opinion inquiry-based learning is an instructional strategy in teaching and learning where student gain/ acquire behaviors and new knowledge through questioning and asking from teacher. Interaction plays vital role in this. Students are provoked to gain knowledge without stimuli from the tutor. It is more or less student-centered teaching technique. In inquiry-based learning, a predominant role of student can be seen and students develop cognitively and acquire skills of reasoning and making judgment. It is under family of problem-based learning.

2-      Do you think inquiry based learning help to improve students’ academic performance?

Yes. In inquiry-based learning, a predominant role of student can be seen and students develop cognitively and acquire skills of reasoning and making judgment. It is under family of problem-based learning. New knowledge recalling and memorizing and storing will be easier in inquiry based learning. It opens doors for creative thinking and research areas.

3-      In your opinion, what are the barriers in conducting effective inquiry based learning session?

For inquiry-based learning to be effective; ·        Teacher must be updated always with global events and new knowledge. ·        Students should possess the art of probing questions tactfully. ·        A well informed interaction between teacher and student is needed. ·        The confidence, creative thinking from students are encouraged. ·        The interaction and cooperation to a great extend is essential.

4-      What do you think are the differences that would be observed in student’s performance if the same topic is taught using inquiry based learning method and conventional method?

inquiry diagram In conventional method, teacher is everything and students are spoon fed by continuous lecture sessions. Teacher becomes more text-oriented, curriculum-oriented and ignores the real sense of learning. However, in inquiry based learning teacher act as a facilitator in real sense and he ONLY guides. Student performance is affected because, students will be learning things which they do not know by interaction and students will acquire same knowledge in different dimensions. Peers might have contributed to boost the confidence and cognitive thinking of other students.

5-      What is your opinion on this method of teaching science?

Well. It can be applied to a great extent for a lively, well represented class of all students for effective teaching and learning. Since, science is blind, methods like problem-based learning would be more suitable. A more practical instructional strategy would be more effective is teaching science.

The above is a research survey about  teachers' perception about inquiry-based learning. What is your perception. If you have time please leave a comment.