Active Learning: Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)

• Active learning approaches involve learners actively participating in activities to generate new knowledge and develop 21st-century skills.
• Four recent active learning approaches include Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL), Research-Based Learning (RBL), Problem-Based Learning (ProbBL), and Project-Based Learning (ProjBL)

Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)

• It engages students by connecting to real-world scenarios via exploration and high-level questioning
• It encourages students to engage in problem-solving and experiential learning.

Types of Inquiry-Based Learning

• Structured inquiry approach- Students learn to ask questions and investigate real-world problems through a sequential process.
• Open-ended inquiry approach- Students have the freedom to explore their interests and ask questions about the topic they are studying.
• Problem-based inquiry approach- Students are given real-world problems to solve and is used in mathematics and engineering.
• Guided inquiry approach- The teacher guides students in the inquiry process to ask questions and find solutions to real-world problems.

Inquiry-Based Teaching Strategy Steps

• Begins with a problem statement
• Followed by data collection from appropriate sources
• An analysis of the findings and explanations
• Drawing conclusions related to original problem statement

Research-Based Learning (RBL)

• It places more emphasis on students as active researchers rather than teacher-centered content learning.
• It involves active searching and using multiple resources to explore important questions and challenges.

Stages of Research-Based Learning

• Identify and clarify issues, questions, challenges, and puzzles
• Find and process information
• Think critically and creatively
• Apply knowledge and ideas and draw conclusions
• Communicate results

Problem-Based Learning (ProbBL)

• It is a teaching method where complex real-world problems are used to promote student concept and principle learning, rather than direct fact presentation
• Students learn through active exploration and resolution of real-world challenges

ProbBL Process

• Learners engage in collaborative learning by thinking
• Asking questions
• Applying new knowledge, testing self-understanding
• Obtaining new information
• Activating prior knowledge to develop common solution

ProbBL vs Traditional Learning

• Traditional learning provides information, which students memorize and then apply to a problem.
• ProbBL begins with a problem that assigned students must identify the needed information so they can learn and apply it

Examples of Problem-Based Learning

• Environmental projects where students work to solve a local, city, state, or countrywide issue
• Problem statements affecting students at school, such as encouraging healthier eating

Project-Based Learning (ProjBL)

• It is a student-centered method that encourages learning through engaging, real-world, curriculum-related questions and challenges.
• It teaches personal responsibility and time management skills and design assignments that hit higher-order stages in Bloom's taxonomy

Educator Assessment in ProjBL

• Educators can provide multiple ways of assessing students through portfolios, annotated bibliographies, outlines, draft products, or finished projects.

Key Characteristics

• Presents an open-ended, complex question
• Relates knowledge acquired through classroom lessons
• Requires students to find their solutions to given problems or questions
• Gives students a choice in how they learn
• Follows a clear, well-defined set of assessment criteria

Phases in Project-Based Learning

• Identify a problem
• Devise a potential solution path
• Develop a prototype of solution
• Refine the solution based on feedback from experts

Components of Project-Based Learning

• Driving question or challenge
• Students need to know
• Inquiry and innovation
• Important skills
• Student voice and choice
• Feedback and revision
• Publicly presented products

Project-Based Learning vs Problem-Based Learning

• Project-based learning emphasizes the end product and involves open-ended assignments, student analysis, solution generation, prototype design, and refinement of solutions based on feedback
• Problem-based learning presents open-ended, real-world questions with student analysis, hypothesis generation, follow-up questions, and seeking additional data.