The journey into Inquiry
I have often been asked the question, in various forums “What is inquiry?” Each time I receive this question, my mind automatically wanders to the most common answer I have heard to this question. Having students ask questions, allowing them to articulate their thoughts, is inquiry!
While that certainly is a part of learning through inquiry, it certainly is not what completely defines inquiry.
I often like to think of Inquiry, as a large umbrella, that invites and embraces several pedagogical practices, within it. At other times, I picture this long, windy road, with beautifully laid cobblestones in parts, dirt tracks in other parts; landscaped gardens in some parts and wild growing bushes in others!
Picture the contrasts on that long windy road. Inquiry really is like that. There is no single ‘one-size fits all’ practice for inquiry-based teaching & learning. It is rather a set of practices, sometimes, very contrasting to each other. So, what then binds them all together? The answer to that lies in delving a little deeper into understanding that Inquiry, really is a mindset. A mindset that allows one to embrace different approaches, to try, to fail, to have the grit to try again, to reflect, to observe, to question, to feel vulnerable, to be empathetic, to feel the excitement in one’s veins, to be supportive; to nurture, to be honest- in other words; to simply live life!
Alright, then! What does that have to do with learning & teaching? How does that translate to classrooms and students?
A zest for life is what a teacher in an Inquiry-based system brings to her classroom. He is willing to try new things, acknowledge failures and learn from mistakes. She opens the doors of her mind (and her classes!) to the community around. She is a learner herself, and takes pride in her learning journey. He is curious and asks questions (so, yes! That does form part of what Inquiry is all about!) and delights in the answers. She observes, listens, questions, challenges, pushes boundaries………
And what does this look like in the classes?
Inquiry classes are those that abound in rich discussions. Students and teachers share their thoughts, listen to each other, question, find answers and celebrate together! Students receive feedback from teachers and their peers. They reflect on their learning journey, their strengths, their challenges. Students learn from each other and the community around them!
In this series of thoughts on Inquiry-based learning, we will look at a few aspects and pedagogical practices of inquiry based learning and teaching, in greater depth.
Until next time, Be curious. Open your mind. Listen. Reflect.
Want to continue your journey into what Inquiry is ? Find Part 2 here.
