Inquiry-Based Learning in Higher Education

Abstract

AbstractInquiry-based learning is an active learning method which has found to be beneficial for developing students’ inquiry skills and enhancing academic achievement, engagement, motivation. Inquiry-based learning is widely used in science and math classes in general education schools, but despite the benefits of using inquiry-based learning, this approach is less used in higher education institutions. Still, some good examples can be found, but in higher education level the concept of inquiry-based learning is used in a broader sense and in many different forms (e.g., progressive inquiry). The focus is mostly on formulating questions and answering them through investigation of different materials and theories. This chapter gives an overview of some examples on how inquiry-based learning has been implemented in higher education institutions on three levels: systematically in curricula, separate courses of inquiry-based learning, and inquiry-based learning as part of a course. Additionally, the benefits of using inquiry-based learning in higher education are pointed out and the challenges of implementing inquiry-based learning are discussed on organization level, teacher level and student level.KeywordsInquiry-based learningProgressive inquiryHigher education