Summary

Inquiry learning is a process by which students explore resources, whether they be concrete, textbook, ICT or human, to form a conclusion about a particular focus question. The process can take the form of guided inquiry where the teacher dictates the flow of information and the processes used, cooperative group inquiry where students work as a team on the same focus and independent inquiry where, once a student has attained proficiency in the required skills, can investigate their own focus question.

Inquiry based learning can create journeys of discovery (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008). The inquiry process create a sense of purpose whilst fostering critical thinking and cooperative skills and invited students to take responsibility for their learning.

Inquiry learning is a key skill in the NSW Board of Studies HSIE Syllabus.