Inquiry-based approach to learning emphasises the importance of developing thinking and problem solving skills in students. As a learner-centered approach, inquiry-based approach leads students to ask questions and to use these questions as their guide in gathering and processing data they find. The gathered data is then used to solve problems and generate conclusions.

Inquiry-based learning takes several forms: analysis, problem solving, discovery and creative activities. In all these forms, teachers may guide the learners or may even let them freely explore the problems they have and to solve them on their own.

Inquiry-based approach empowers students as they use their own questions as drivers to their learning. Teachers facilitates the learning activities, often times providing effective and efficient feedback as learners progress through the various learning activities.

A lesson or unit that follows a inquiry-based approach can take advantage of the use of tech tools during the questioning, investigation, problem solving, and learning demonstration phases. The 5Ds Framework can support a meaningful and purposeful use of tech tools in these different phases. The key stages (Dip-Deepen-Do-Distribute) of 5Ds Framework fits well with the various phases of inquiry based-learning. The Discern stage wonderfully reminds the teacher to create opportunities for the giving of feedback to the learners as the lesson proceeds and the learners progresses.

Take a look at this sample unit plan that uses both the 5Ds Framework and Inquiry-based learning to create authentic, independent, and student-centred learning experiences: More Fun in Visayas Islands: An Inquiry and Investigation.

Links:

• iTunes U version (enrolment code: FCY-KCK-WKB)
• Google Document version