Importance of Inquiry Based Learning for Young Minds

The educational landscape has undergone a drastic change in the last few years. The teaching and learning methodologies today are much more advanced and are capable of effectively engaging the learners in the process of education. One such methodology which has been gaining a lot of momentum in recent times is the inquiry-based learning methodology. The approach is openly being embraced by the leading institutions across the world for its ability to create life-long learners with an innate interest in knowing more. And we, at JP International School, are one among such institutions that have not only implemented the inquiry-based learning approach but are also benefitting the young minds the most with it.

At JP International School, one of the top 10 schools in Greater Noida, we believe that inquiry-based learning is a way forward for young minds who are inquisitive in nature. This future-focused learning method trains the kids to acquire knowledge, learn new ideas, and experience the world through inquisition. On that note, let’s delve deeper into what exactly inquiry-based learning is and how it has emerged as one of the most beneficial approaches for children.

What is Inquiry-based learning?

Inquiry-based learning is a new, unconventional approach to teaching that helps deliver a meaningful learning experience that is more suited for 21st-century learners. What makes inquiry-based learning different from mainstream teaching is that it does not depend on direct instructions or rote learning, rather feeds the inquisitive nature of students. It makes education more engaging, interesting, and meaningful as students are exposed to different scenarios where they can reflect on and be curious about to ask questions.

The young minds of today are no more suited for passive learning, which promotes one-way interaction and downpour of concepts that no longer relates to the real world. In an inquiry-driven classroom environment, teachers use different approaches that help children cultivate various skills through guided learning and reasoning of concepts. The emphasis here is on the student’s interaction during the learning process, which provides them the autonomy to ask questions, explore, and share ideas.

Promotes an active learning culture

While passive learning is all about knowledge imbibed by children through teachers or books, it adds little to the value of education. On the other hand, inquiry-based learning promotes an active learning culture where students are able to process complex ideas, understand the logic behind several concepts and apply the same to real-life scenarios. This way, they are more involved in the learning process and get exposed to inquiry-driven ways of learning that help them grow beyond the realm of the concepts in the books. Moreover, active learners turn out to be life-long learners too as they learn to look for knowledge beyond books and rigid courseware.

Enables learning through self-exploration

In the inquiry-based learning approach, education is more of a journey for children. They learn everything through self-exploration and are capable of finding their own answers by inquiring about them to teachers. Experts suggest that children who learn through experiences become better learners in the course of time as they are enabled to understand concepts and retain information much better than others. This type of learning also promotes exploration and creativity, leading the curious minds of children to delve deeper into the how’s and why’s of a concept.

Role of teachers in inquiry-based learning

The role of teachers in inquiry-based learning is crucial for students’ learning experience. They create a physical environment of real-world scenarios for students to experiment, explore, and dabble their hands at new things. The teachers at JP International School encourage students to interrogate with an open mind and help every child realize their true potential without dwindling their natural inquisitiveness. They help students get exposed to collaborative activities that propel curiosity in young minds, allowing free-thinking and open exchange of ideas, which takes their learning to the next level.

At JP International School, one of the top 10 schools in Greater Noida, we follow an innovative inquiry-based approach to learning that focuses on the holistic development of our students’ skills. We lay equal emphasis on building their comprehension, critical thinking, and free-thought process throughout their journey of education. Instead of letting them primarily memorize and recall concepts or formulas, we engage them in productive experiential learning activities that enable them to gain a deeper understanding of the concepts taught.