Lesson 3: Benefits of Inquiry Based Learning
Lesson 3: Benefits to Inquiry Based Learning
There are many benefits to using an inquiry based approach in the classroom. Some benefits are listed below:
- Students develop problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Students become curious and creative within their academics
- Students become active learners in the classroom as they are part of the learning experience
- Collaboration and communication becomes a larger aspect of the classroom
- Builds a desire to discover
- Prepares students for real life experiences and challenges.
Linked here is a math blog, math giraffe, that goes into some of the benefits of an inquiry based math classroom. This blog focuses on 4 big the benefits of an inquiry based classroom. There is a really neat algebra example that I actually used with my own 8th grade class this week! This shows us that we can take a topic like exponents, which tends to be a little "dryer" and not have as direct of a real world connection, and still turn it into a discover based activity.
After reading through the math blog linked above, use discuss the following questions:
Do you think that these benefits outweigh any of your preconceived notions about inquiry based learning? Choose at least one benefit discussed in the math blog and discuss your beliefs on it. Do you think the claim that is stated would hold true in your classroom too?