Inquiry-Based Learning is a âform of active learning in which students are given a carefully scaffolded sequence ofâŚtasks and are asked to solve them and make sense of them, working individually or in groupsâ (Ernst, Hodge, Yoshinuba, 570). Since it is constantly evolving, it can be a bit difficult challenging to pin down exactly what it is. It does have âtwin pillar principlesâ which are âdeep engagementâ and âopportunities to collaborateâ (Ernst, Hodge, Yoshinuba, 571). One of the best situations to use inquiry-based learning is in in proof based courses. An inquiry-based learning assignment typically will take a structure similar to this:
- Introduce a new topic
- Develop intuition about a concept
- Synthesize ideas from a few concepts
- Practice doing routine and non-routine problems
The students will then present their work and those presentations lead to classroom discussions. Classes typically begin with small group work. As an instructor, you can float around the classroom giving advice and encouragement were needed. Students then present their own, or a spokesperson from a group presents a solution to the problem. Some skills needed to instruct this kind of learning are know when to table âa discussion until the next meetingâŚproviding aâŚstep for the current problem, asking students to work in small groups to offer suggestions, and offeringâŚhints or insightsâ (Ernst, Hodge, Yoshinuba, 572).
I believe this does align with my groupâs topic of âHow to Deliver an Effective Presentationâ, as it would provide the learners an opportunity to discuss with each other and provide feedback on how effective their presentation is coming across. The learners are also able to practice their presentations with each other during the small group time. While having the theory on what makes a good presentation is good, it is working together that truly allows the presentation to improve. Group discussion also would help the students know their audience better and how to present in that aspect. Inquiry-based learning is a valid option when it comes to the topic of how to deliver a presentation.Â
Ernst, Dana C., et al. âWhat Is Inquiry-Based Learning?â Notices of the American Mathematical Society, vol. 64, no. 06, 2017, pp. 570â574., https://doi.org/10.1090/noti1536.Â
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