Student Outcomes in Inquiry Instruction

Abstract

Curricular reform efforts are underway in many countries, focused on adopting inquirybased approaches to teaching and learning. Therefore, it is increasingly important to understand what outcomes students attain in inquiry environments. Derived from a literature review, a 23-item, criterion-referenced inventory is presented for theoretically implied and empirically based outcomes or benefits for students engaging in inquiry, and includes research on overlapping pedagogical topics such as discovery learning and problem-based learning. Student outcomes include knowledge and skills, intrinsic motivation, and development of expertise, among others. Supporting research is primarily available in the areas of cognitive and affective outcomes (e.g., knowledge, skills, motivation, attitudes, and creativity). This list can be used as a starting point for research or converted into professional development tools.

Active Learning Strategies and Competency-Based Design in Research Education: a Longitudinal Review

“…Inquiry-based learning is a multifaceted concept that is associated with a range of strategies including project-based learning, student-centeredness, collaboration, flexible thinking, scaffolding, lifelong learning, and communication (Avsec & Kocijanic, 2016;Hannafin & Land, 2000;Hannafin, Land, & Oliver, 1999;Kim & Hannafin, 2011;Jonassen, 2000;Mayer & Wittrock, 2006;Saunders-Steward, Gyles, & Shore, B., 2012;and Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2010). These can strategies help to mitigate college teaching's overreliance on lower-level learning goals, lecture, and discussion (Fink, 2003).…”

“…The use of active learning strategies led to several positive Phase 2 outcomes. It supported the redesign with a range of project-based, student-centered, and collaborative design elements (Avsec & Kocijanic, 2016;Hannafin & Land, 2000;Kim & Hannafin, 2011;Jonassen, 2000;Mayer & Wittrock, 2006;Saunders-Steward, Gyles, & Shore, B., 2012;and Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2010). It provided a basis for linking grade points to higher cognitive levels and improving individual accountability.…”

What Makes Inquiry Stick? The Quality of Preservice Teachers’ Understanding of Inquiry

“…To link prior inquiry experiences and current inquiry knowledge, we needed a way to systematically and reliably code both kinds of inquiry understanding. Miles and Huberman (1994) suggested independently coding 25% of statements to assure interrater reliability. A randomgenerator program identified 47 (28%) of the 167 statements for coding by a graduate student unfamiliar with the research.…”

Inquiry-based learning as a facilitator to student engagement in undergraduate and graduate social work programs

“…Inquiry allows students to explore individual interests and develop critical-thinking skills that lead to personal discovery and deeper understanding of their central question. For example, a report to the Alberta Ministry of Education links inquiry-based learning to the development of critical thinking skills (Alberta Education, 2010), while a number of researchers (Hudspith & Jenkins, 2001;Taylor & Parsons, 2011;Saunders-Stewart, Gyles, & Shore, 2012) report finding an increase in student engagement using inquiry-based learning as a teaching method.…”