The Guided Inquiry Principle in Multimedia Learning

Abstract

Inquiry learning puts students in an active and engaged learning mode. In inquiry learning, students try to find answers to research questions by performing investigations (in the case of science learning the investigations most often involve experiments). To be successful in inquiry learning, students need adequate initial knowledge of the domain involved and they need to be supported in their inquiry processes. Experimental work and data from PISA have indicated that guided inquiry can be an effective teaching strategy. This chapter presents an overview of the types of guidance typically found in online inquiry learning environments. Specifically, this chapter suggests the need for effective combinations of online and offline activities, such as combinations of hands-on and virtual laboratory experiences, and the use of teacher dashboards that inform teachers about the status of their students’ inquiry process, so that appropriate guidance can be provided.