INQUIRY AND PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Inquiry-based learning is one of the most powerful teaching strategies in the classroom because research tells us that students learn best when they construct their own meaning. Inquiry-based learning triggers student curiosity. Teachers act as facilitators during the inquiry-based learning process. According to Heather Wolpert-Gawron in the Edutopia article, regarding Inquiry-Based Learning there are four steps in the process: ( a.)Students develop questions that they are hungry to answer (b.) Students research the topic using time in class (c.) Students present what they’ve learned (d.) Students reflect on what worked about the process and what didn’t. In a classroom where students research a topic then present their findings, inquiry-based learning allows students to "learn deeper and wider than ever before" (Wolpert-Gawron, 2016). In traditional teaching, students are less likely to ask questions and are expected to listen and answer questions posed by the teacher. Inquiry-based learning allows students to pose the questions and research and convert the information into useful knowledge, thus ramping up the level of student engagement. Research confirms that project-based learning (PBL) is an effective and enjoyable way to learn. PBL also develops deeper learning competencies required for success in college, career, and civic life . Project-based learning uses real-world scenarios, challenges, and problems to engage students in critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and selfmanagement. Once students solve the problem or challenge, they present their solutions. The problems students solve can be presented to community leaders to solve problems in their own community and uses collaboration, digital tools, and problem solving skills to come up with a solution to the problem presented. Why are so many educators interested in this teaching method.