What are the three types of inquiry?

The Three Types of Inquiry in Education

Inquiry-based learning is a powerful educational approach that promotes student engagement, critical thinking, and deep understanding. It involves posing questions, investigating topics, and seeking answers through active exploration and inquiry. Within the realm of inquiry-based learning, there are three distinct types of inquiry that shape the learning experience for students: confirmation inquiry, structured inquiry, and guided inquiry.

Confirmation Inquiry

Confirmation inquiry is a type of inquiry-based learning that focuses on validating and reinforcing already established ideas. In this approach, learners are presented with a question and a method that has a known end result. The primary goal of confirmation inquiry is to confirm or reinforce existing understanding and to practice investigative skills. Learners engage in the process of validating their understanding by applying the given method and comparing the results with their initial knowledge. This type of inquiry allows students to solidify their understanding and build confidence in their abilities.

Structured Inquiry

Structured inquiry is another type of inquiry-based learning that provides learners with a question and a method to achieve the desired result. In structured inquiry, the teacher maintains control over the learning activities, resources, and assessment. The main objective of structured inquiry is to provide students with an explanation that is supported by evidence gathered during the investigation. Students engage in the process of exploring the question, conducting research, and analyzing data to develop an understanding of the topic. The teacher guides the students through the learning process, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.

Guided Inquiry

Guided inquiry is a more student-centered approach to inquiry-based learning. In this type of inquiry, learners are given a question to investigate, but they have the freedom to design the method of investigation and test the question. Guided inquiry aims to empower students by allowing them to make decisions about their learning and demonstrate their understanding. Students have the flexibility to choose the resources they will use, the strategies they will employ, and the ways they will present their findings. Guided inquiry fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and independent learning.

Overall, the three types of inquiry – confirmation inquiry, structured inquiry, and guided inquiry – provide varying levels of support and autonomy for learners. Each type has its own benefits and is suitable for different learning objectives and contexts. By integrating inquiry-based learning approaches into education, educators can create rich learning experiences that promote active engagement, critical thinking, and deep understanding.

Sources:

1. Instructional Design Models and Theories: Inquiry-based Learning Model. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/inquiry-based-learning-model.
2. Enquiry based learning: The 4 forms of inquiry. Retrieved from https://teacamp.vdu.lt/mod/book/view.php?id=3235&chapterid=133.
3. Bringing Inquiry-Based Learning Into Your Class. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/bringing-inquiry-based-learning-into-your-class-trevor-mackenzie/.

FAQs

What are the three types of inquiry-based learning?

The three types of inquiry-based learning are confirmation inquiry, structured inquiry, and guided inquiry.

What is confirmation inquiry?

Confirmation inquiry is a type of inquiry-based learning where learners are given a question and a method with a known end result. The goal is to confirm or reinforce already established ideas and practice investigative skills.

What is structured inquiry?

Structured inquiry is a type of inquiry-based learning where learners are provided with a question and a method to achieve the result. The teacher controls the learning activities, resources, and assessment, and the goal is to provide an explanation supported by evidence gathered during the investigation.

What is guided inquiry?

Guided inquiry is a type of inquiry-based learning where learners are given a question, but they design the method of investigation and test the question. The goal is to empower students to make decisions about their learning and demonstrate understanding.

What is the purpose of confirmation inquiry?

The purpose of confirmation inquiry is to validate and reinforce already established ideas, as well as to practice investigative skills.

How does structured inquiry differ from confirmation inquiry?

In structured inquiry, learners are provided with a question and a method to achieve the desired result, while confirmation inquiry focuses on validating and reinforcing existing ideas.

How does guided inquiry promote student autonomy?

Guided inquiry empowers students by allowing them to design the method of investigation and test the question. This promotes student autonomy and decision-making in the learning process.

What are the benefits of using the three types of inquiry-based learning?

Using the three types of inquiry-based learning provides varying levels of support and autonomy for learners, promoting critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of the topic.