Inquiry Based Learning
Effective inquiry is more than just asking questions. Inquiry-based learning is a complex process where students formulate questions, investigate to find answers, build new understandings, meanings and knowledge, and then communicate their learnings to others. In classrooms where teachers emphasize inquiry-based learning, students are actively involved in solving authentic (real-life) problems within the context of the curriculum and/or community. These powerful learning experiences engage students deeply.
Research suggests that inquiry-based learning increases student creativity, independence, and problem solving skills, and it improves student achievement.
A model for inquiry was developed by Alberta Education to support the work of teachers and students. For more information about this model, see Focus on Inquiry: A Teacher’s Guide to Implementing Inquiry-based Learning (2004).
Hear stories from AISI projects about Inquiry-Based Learning and other themes:
Search AISI projects focusing on Inquiry-Based Learning:
Explore other Education and Government initiatives and resources:
Resources related to Inquiry from National Organizations:
- Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA)
Recent article published by the professional organization of teachers in Alberta on the theme of inquiry include:
Inquiry Transforms Learning Environments for Students (2007)
What is Inquiry? (2006)
- Canadian Education Association (CEA)
The publication Education Canada includes many articles about current educational research. Recent articles and blogs about inquiry include:
Necessary Disruption: Inquiry-Based Learning (2011)
Engaging Students through Effective Questions (2010)
Inquiry-based Learning: Three Alberta Schools That Know What it Takes (2009)
- Galileo Educational Network
This independent organization conducts and disseminates research about innovative, inquiry-based, 21st century learning environments. The galileo.org website includes information about research and publications as well as classroom exemplars of inquiry-based studies, created by and for teachers. Examples of resources include:
What Is Inquiry?
Why Inquiry?
Inquiry and Assessment
Creating Essential Questions
Inquiry Rubric
- University of Calgary
The following paper by Dr. Sharon Friesen about discipline based inquiry and assessment is available on our AISI website.
Uncomfortable Bedfellows: Discipline-based Inquiry and Standardized Examinations (2010)
Resources related to Inquiry from International Organizations:
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Free full text articles published in Educational Leadership on the theme of Inquiry are available on this site. Examples include:
Seven Essentials for Project-Based Learning (2010)
Project-Based Learning (2008)
- Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
This is an online digital library of education research and information, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The following articles related to Inquiry are available on this site:
Passive or Passionate Participation in Mathematics (2010)
Inquiry-Based Learning: An Educational Reform Based Upon Context-Centred Teaching (2009)
