Guided Inquiry Approach
Inquiry learning stems from the constructivist theories whereby learners are said to learn through construct knowledge. People experiences the world in different ways and reflect on those experiences building on the information they acquire rather than just taking it in. This requires using higher order thinking and using several skills (WGU 2020). Kuhlthau, Maniotes and Caspari, 2015) elaborate that 21st learning requires a wide range of skills and guided inquiry is a practical way of using newly acquired skills to deepen thinking and understanding. Students may also be exposed to real life situations that will further enhance their learning and they undertake a variety of skills and use their knowledge to achieve the task.
There are number of principles of constructivism that align with students’ learning processes:
- Knowledge is constructed.
- People learn to learn.
- Learning is an active process.
- Learning is a social activity.
- Learning is contextual.
- Knowledge is personal.
- Learning exits in the mind.
- Motivation is key to learning.
(WGU, 2020).
Guided Inquiry is a process that came about from Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process (ISP). The model defines six stages: initiation, selection, exploration, formulation, collection, and presentation. ISP identifies areas of the student when they may have a series of feeling, thoughts, and actions. It may be a point where the student experiences uncertainty so this may be an opportunity for the TL make a difference to the students’ experiences and assist in overcoming such feeling when answers are established, contributing towards student learning. However, guided inquiry can be a difficult approach so collaboration between teacher and TL would be ideal as the TL specialist skills can provide additional assistance for students and teachers (Kahlthau, 2023).
Getting started with inquiry models and implementing guided inquiry approach can be beneficial for students and keep them interested and motivated. Although it may have its complexities there are benefits towards student learning, particularly improving and acquiring different competencies and developing new skills going forward into the 21stcentury way of learning.
Reference
Kuhlthau, C. C. (2023). Information Search Process. Retrieve from: https://wp.comminfo.rutgers.edu/ckuhlthau/information-search-process/
Kuhlthau, C, C., & Maniotes, K, L. (2015). Guided inquiry learning in the 21st century (2nd ed). Libraries Unlimited.
Western Governors University (WGU). (2020). What is constructivism? Retrieved from: https://www.wgu.edu/blog/what-constructivism2005.html.