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Synonyms

Inquiry-based learning

Definition

Inquiry is defined as “a search for knowledge; an instance of questioning; and a systematic investigation of a matter of public interest.” Inquiry learning, on the other hand refers to a learning process. It requires learners to get involved in the learning process so that they can search for knowledge by questioning and investigating the matters. A learning process usually begins with posing a question or a problem. Then learners try to generate strategies in order to investigate, collaborate, justify, and reflect on the solutions for the problem or answers to the question. They later communicate and share the conclusions.

Perhaps the old Chinese proverb “tell me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand” best explains this type of learning. Because of the nature of the method, learners are not just passive consumers of the knowledge being taught, but instead they are actively trying to build an understanding of it so...

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Correspondence to Hasan Caliskan .

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC

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Caliskan, H. (2012). Inquiry Learning. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_51

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_51

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

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