Okuzeka
Education & Teaching vocabulary · Teaching Methods and Approaches

Inquiry-based learning

Meaning in education & teaching, with examples

nounCommon term

In education & teaching, inquiry-based learning means: An approach in which students learn by asking questions, investigating, gathering evidence and drawing their own conclusions, with the teacher guiding the process.

In Turkish: sorgulamaya dayalı öğrenme, araştırma-sorgulamaya dayalı öğrenme

How it is used

Common in science and social studies teaching and in international programs. Teachers design inquiry tasks or units, and students carry out an inquiry. The teacher's role is often described as a facilitator. British spelling is often enquiry-based learning.

Example sentences

  1. The unit uses inquiry-based learning: students start with the question 'Why do some bridges last longer?'

  2. Inquiry-based learning works best when students already have some basic knowledge of the topic.

Common collocations

  • inquiry-based approach
  • carry out an inquiry
  • guided inquiry
  • inquiry question
  • project-based learningAn approach in which students learn by working over an extended period on a real-world project or question and then present a final product to an audience.
  • student-centered learningAn approach in which students take an active role in their learning, for example by discussing, investigating and making choices, while the teacher guides rather than lectures.
  • critical thinkingThe ability to analyze information, question ideas, judge evidence and reach well-reasoned conclusions instead of simply accepting what you read or hear.
  • active learningLearning in which students do things and think about what they are doing, such as discussing, solving problems or explaining ideas, instead of only listening.

More terms: Teaching Methods and Approaches

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: