Student 2_Sharmela Nair A/P Sreedharan_SCPG2400047
Pros
- Fosters Understanding
- IBL is designed to promote learning by questioning, testing, and inquiry. Through this process, they build a richer, longer lasting understanding through this process rather than memorizing details.
- Promotes Independence and Ownership
- Students are in charge of their own learning. In selecting which questions to investigate, they take more ownership of and responsibility for their own learning.
- Fosters Collaboration and Communication
- Much of inquiry is done with partners or in small groups, which means students have to listen, talk to each other, and share their ideas important skills that prepare kids for success in school, work, and life.
- Develops Critical Thinking Skills
- Children learn to assess the information at hand, challenge assumptions, and draw logical conclusions. Outside of the classroom, they gain a great deal from these mental practices.
- Allows for Integration of Subjects
- IBL often incorporates language, math, science, and social studies into a single project. This simulates real-life problem-solving, which makes learning more meaningful and relevant.
Cons
- Time and resource intensive
- Developing inquiry-based activities requires a great deal of planning, resources, and flexibility. Teachers must anticipate the various routes that students may choose.
- Challenges in Assessment
- It can be more challenging to evaluate results objectively. Traditional assessments may not accurately reflect students' development because learning is a process.
- Needs Skilled Assistance
- When working with diverse students, it can be challenging to find a balance between giving them autonomy and offering support, but teachers need to be adept at leading without taking charge.
- The Potential for Misconceptions
- Without careful scaffolding, students may begin to misunderstand. Early intervention is required to get learning back on track.
- Not All Learners Achieve Success
- Some children may find open-ended assignments too much to handle, especially those who are less self-assured or who value structure. Differentiation is necessary to ensure that every student gains.
Personal Reflection
After reading about inquiry-based learning, I became much more conscious of how children can thrive when allowed the opportunity to explore and ask their own questions. I love the idea that learning should be guided by curiosity rather than just following a predetermined curriculum. It appears more natural and significant. But I've also come to understand the real challenges that it presents, like the time commitment needed for preparation or the potential that some children need more structure to feel safe. The fact that there is no one size fits all approach is acceptable. The importance of teachers gently guiding the process while letting students take the lead really stood out to me. It made me reflect on my own teaching and acted as a reminder of letting the children to grow in their own pace.
