Schools in Perumbakkam

Inquiry-Led Learning: Less Teaching, More Thinking

At the International Village School, you will never find students being asked to memorize facts to demonstrate their knowledge. A student could potentially improve their exam score by using this form of learning, but at IVS, one of the best IB schools in Perumbakkam, this is seen as more passive. Information acquired in this way is frequently lost as the young person who supposedly "learned" it had no active role in the process of learning the knowledge beyond leaning over a tablet or copying words from a blackboard. They often learn strategies to retain the material quickly, but as soon as the test is over, they forget what they learned; this strategy is generally known as the "file and trash" approach. Besides this, they do not make any connection between the material they are learning and the reality around them.

In classrooms structured in this way, student research does not play a significant role in the educational process. Distractions can arise among students, making it more difficult for them to concentrate on the tasks that have been assigned to them. They might get good grades, but they are not working to become learners who can continue their education throughout their lives, which is the kind of learning environment we foster at IVS.

What exactly does "inquiry-led learning" entail?

Students in an inquiry-led classroom are encouraged to ask questions because they really want to search for the answers. This type of classroom is different from the typical classroom that was common in earlier times. Students are asked to stand up and ask questions, regardless of whether they feel their questions are relevant to the topic at hand. It is not uncommon for queries that arise from the left field to be the ones that result in a deeper understanding of the topic.

The following goals can be achieved through inquiry-based learning:

  • Education of children in the correct way to process information.

  • Formation of healthy mental routines for yourself (ground rules)

  • Acquiring not only content-based but also conceptual understanding

Students in an inquiry-led classroom ask each other questions and then work to discover solutions to those questions. They collaborate with their peers and take the initiative to carry out group conversations. They embark on an adventure that does not follow a direct path to a solution; but, as a result of this, they gain a deep understanding of the subject at hand. As a direct consequence of this, the role of instructors has completely changed.

The crucial role teachers play in fostering a culture of inquiry in the classroom

A teacher might introduce a topic, lead a discussion about the various ways the notion can be explored, and then open the floor for students to devise their own methods for developing it all in the span of a single day. The instructor will act as a moderator for class discussions and debates, while providing guidance as needed. She will let the children explore multiple thoughts on the topic and then, if necessary, she will gently guide them in a different way to examine another point of view on the matter further.

Students in each class have the option to work alone, with their peers, or in teams. They might want to get out of the classroom and learn about the topic by interacting with it in the real world, but they might also decide to do some research. In inquiry-based learning, the fact that the student is in charge of learning is the most essential lesson. This not only inspires enthusiasm and interest, but also makes even the most routine topics much easier to tackle.

It is the instructor's obligation to ensure that this transition is completed fully and thoroughly, that appropriate outcomes are achieved, and that each student takes responsibility for their own education. Children will be encouraged to discuss and provide feedback on their findings by their teachers. Children learn the skills necessary to be successful in whatever position they may hold in the future by developing their critical thinking skills in this way.

Instruments that can be used for inquiry-based learning

Immediate feedback, encouragement, and positive response are essential components of an inquiry-led classroom. Other factors include close monitoring of the student(s) to ensure they stay on track, use of technology, and open communication among students, parents and school administrators. Teachers are not really there to educate in the traditional sense. Instead, they become great facilitators of learning for others. They serve as advisors who help children determine what learning style works best for them. They are there to support young people and make sure they reach their destination, even though the path can take many different forms. They have a wealth of knowledge and can provide guidance and help when needed without significantly affecting children's ability to think independently.

In short, students at the International Village School are known among all other schools in Perumbakkam, and beyond, as the thought leaders and creators of tomorrow. Give your child the IVS advantage in education.


Subscribe to our playlist for latest audios from International Village School

Watch our IB School features in our video