There are strong arguments for choosing an inquiry-based approach over more conventional models of direct instruction. An inquiry-based curriculum develops and validates ‘habits of mind’ that characterize a life-long learner: It teaches students to pose difficult questions and fosters the desire and skills to acquire knowledge about the world. Students are given opportunities to take ownership of their own learning, a skill necessary for one to succeed in college and in most professional settings. Additionally, an inquiry-based approach allows students to draw connections between academic content and their own lives, which can be particularly important for culturally and linguistically diverse learners.
-This Inspired Issue Brief presents several sound studies that have demonstrated thepositive outcomes associated with inquiry-based teaching.