Questioning vs. Inquiry in Education

Questioning vs. Inquiry

• Questioning is primarily focused on finding answers
• Inquiry is concerned with finding answers and understanding the inquiry process itself
• Questioning often focuses on specific, discrete pieces of information
• Inquiry typically explores broader, more complex issues or problems
• Questioning may involve superficial or surface-level questions
• Inquiry often delves deeper, seeking underlying causes, patterns, or meanings
• Questioning is usually a linear process, with questions leading to direct answers
• Inquiry is often a cyclical process, involving exploration, analysis, and synthesis
• Questioning can be used to gather information, test understanding, or challenge assumptions
• Inquiry aims to construct knowledge, solve problems, or gain deeper insights
• Questioning typically results in specific answers or solutions
• Inquiry can lead to new questions, theories, or perspectives
• Questioning learners may be passive, responding to questions from others
• Inquiry learners are active, taking ownership of the learning process and generating their own questions
• Questioning can be less engaging if questions are repetitive or predictable
• Inquiry is more engaging, encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity

Investigation vs. Research

• Investigation is primarily concerned with the past, seeking to understand what happened
• Research can focus on the past, present, or future, seeking to explain, predict, or improve sources and related content
• Investigation aims to uncover facts, solve a specific problem, or determine the cause of an event
• Research seeks to expand knowledge, develop theories, or test hypotheses
• Investigation is often focused on a specific incident, case, or situation
• Research can be broad or narrow, but typically involves a systematic exploration of a topic
• Investigation relies on various methods such as interviews, document analysis and site visits
• Research often employs rigorous scientific methods like experiments, surveys, and statistical analysis
• Investigation primarily collects primary data, such as eyewitness accounts, physical evidence, and documents
• Research can use both primary and secondary data including scholarly articles, books, and databases
• Investigation results in a specific conclusion or recommendation
• Research contributes to the body of knowledge and can lead to new theories or practical applications
• Investigation is often time-bound with a specific deadline
• Research can be long-term, spanning months or even years
• Investigation can be informal or formal depending on the inquiry
• Research typically follows a formal structure with clear research questions, methodologies, and data analysis

Immersion vs. OJT

• Immersion aims to provide comprehensive understanding of a field or industry, often as a precursor to a career
• OJT focuses on developing specific job skills and competencies
• Immersion can be short-term or long-term depending on the program's goals
• OJT is typically shorter-term, focused on acquiring specific skills
• Immersion often includes a structured curriculum with a mix of theoretical and practical components
• OJT is more informal, with learning occurring through observation, practice, and feedback
• Immersion is often unpaid, considered a learning experience
• OJT usually involves compensation, part of a formal employment relationship
• Immersion can involve varying levels of supervision depending on the program
• OJT typically involves close supervision from experienced workers
• Immersion includes a broader focus on industry culture, work ethics, and professional development
• OJT has a narrower focus on specific job tasks and techniques
• Immersion often involves a formal evaluation process including assessments and feedback
• OJT evaluation is more informal, based on performance and productivity
• Immersion is often a requirement for academic programs or professional certifications
• OJT is a common method of training employees within an organization