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Inquiry-based learning has gained traction worldwide for some time now and is almost always hyped when talked about by parents, bloggers, and educators – and for good reasons. It is a type of learning that encourages active interest and inspires creativity and provides a class with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of concepts, subjects, and ideas in a way that can uniquely spark learning in each student. Starting from IB Primary Years Programme, young learners can maximize his or her learning ability the way that fits their individual capabilities.
A recent massive international series of studies was conducted by economists Emma Näslund-Hadley and Rosangela Bando, of the Inter-American Development Bank, and Paul Gertler of the University of California, Berkeley on 10 randomized controlled experiments comprised of more than 17,000 students in Argentina, Belize, Paraguay, and Peru, four countries working with the Inter-American Development Bank to implement inquiry-based math and science programs.
In the study, preschool, 3rd, and 4th-grade classes are assigned to use either inquiry-based instruction or the standard math and p3 science examinations — which involve lectures, memorization, and practice. In Peru, students were taught in small groups of four to seven students, and so they were assigned individually, rather than being assigned by class.
The studies were put on the working paper of the National Bureau of Economic Research. The studies come as more schools in the United States and throughout the Americas explore potential hurdles- and inquiry-based programs, particularly in science and math. It’s being considered as the largest-scale randomized trials on the approach, as well as the first to look at preschool students as well as those in elementary grades.
The results
The study found that in the inquiry-based instruction in classes at least four days a week for the duration shows better scores in math and science than students in other regular classes. The average student in inquiry classes performed 0.14 of a standard deviation higher than average students in a standard class in science and 0.18 of a standard deviation higher in math when the school year comes.
Also, the studies discovered that this method could prove more cost-effective than standard instruction, mostly for improving achievement for low-income students. The cost of increasing math test scores by a tenth of a standard deviation in a year was calculated to be just over $18 per student in math while $18 per student in science.
How does inquiry-based learning work?
Inquiry or otherwise known as problem-based learning has taken off in recent years not just in U.S. schools but also in schools around the world.
Inquiry learning is comprised of taking advantage of questions, observations, researching, developing experiment methods, creating instruments for data collection, collecting,
assessing, and interpreting data, outlining different explanations and then creating predictions for future study.
It is generally offered by international schools like Global Indian International School (GIIS) both for expats and local students and particularly through programs like IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
As a background, PYP is designed to engage students in assignments and projects, which teach them to together and share information to enhance their knowledge. It also focuses on the development of students as lifetime learners. Learning is situated in a fun and interactive manner and students learn why teamwork and discussions are important in solving problems.
Considering the inquiry-based learning approach for your children?
Thanks to the natural curiosity and wonderment of kids about their world, kindergarten has become an exciting place to learn. It’s also why inquiry-based learning in kindergarten works so well – and why you should consider IB PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP). Consult with the learning institute of your choice regarding their program to learn more about the curriculum and see if the school’s ecosystem fits your child’s needs.
