RSA #3 - Inquiry Based Learning

Module Resources: 

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/

http://www.inquirybasedlearning.org/?page=What_is_IBL 

Peer Reviewed Resources:

http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ976562.pdf

http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1022903.pdf


The Academy of Inquiry Based Learning defines IBL as a student-centered method of teaching.  The goal of inquiry based learning is to engage students in their learning.  The students are given tasks which require problem solving, exploring, experimenting and communicating (What is IBL).  The Acadamy of Inquiry Based Learning provides an example dealing with mathematics.  In my own classroom I have found it very easy to incorporate IBL during mathematics.  In our mathematics class it is not so much about finding the right answer but the process that one takes to get their answer.   
As reported from Workshop: Inquiry Based Learning, Inquiry Based Learning is not found in classrooms across the country nearly enough.  It states that our classrooms discourage the natural process of inquiry.  Instead of allowing students to ask questions, they are expected to sit, listen and repeat the answers that are given to them.  This is not what students need.  Instead of being given answers that they are expected to memorize, students need to be able to understand and interpret information and seek answers to problems.  Inquiry is not seeking the right answer, it is seeking appropriate resolutions to questions and issues (2004).  

The article by Alexander Schoelz, Christian Swertz, Alexandra Fostner and Alessandro Barberi takes a look at whether or not artificial tutoring fosters Inquiry Based Learning.  Schoelz et al feel that artificial tutoring does lend itself to IBL.  Artificial tutoring does allow for students to explore freely and choose different knowledge types.  Students are able to learn based on their personal interests and ability level (Schoelz et al 2014).  I do not have much experience with artificial tutoring and whether or not in complies with IBL.  I do feel that as we move forward in education artificial tutoring is something that will become more prevalent and inquiry based learning needs to be a part of it.