Overview Link to this section
Students delight in questioning and discovery - building connections to prior learning and experiences while they develop as independent learners. Questions not only drive learning but also are outcomes of learning as well.
Create many rich and varied opportunities for students to make observations, ask questions, seek answers, and design solutions to personal, community, and global issues. Support students in making their thinking visible so they can build on their own learning and that of others in their community. The thinking and questioning of students are the focal points in an inquiry-driven classroom.
What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?
Insight on Inquiry: Primary Salmon Investigation - First Steps
Educator Raadiyah Nazeem explains her thinking behind beginning a salmon inquiry in Grade 2 at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study.
Insights on Inquiry
Educator Robin Shaw shares insights on engaging students and recognizing student comprehension in an inquiry-based classroom.
Supporting Inquiry
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See, Think, Wonder
This routine encourages students to make careful observations and thoughtful interpretations. It helps stimulate curiosity and sets the stage for inquiry.
What Makes You Say That?
This routine helps students describe what they see or know and asks them to build explanations. It promotes evidential reasoning (evidence-based reasoning) and because it invites students to share their interpretations, it encourages students to understand alternatives and multiple perspectives.
Think, Puzzle, Explore
This routine activates prior knowledge, generates ideas and curiosity, and prepares students for deeper inquiry. It works especially well when introducing a new topic, concept, or theme in the classroom.
Chalk Talk
This routine asks learners to consider ideas, questions, or problems by silently responding in writing both to the prompt and the thoughts of others. This “silent conversation” provides learners with time to follow through with thoughts without interruption by choosing when they are ready to consider other points of view and make comments.
Reflection Questions Link to this section
- How can inquiry develop academic ownership and honor students' experiences?
- What does inquiry currently look like in your practice? What is working well for students? How do you know?
- What are the implications for your own practice? What will you do first?
This page was last updated on May 17, 2023