Knowledge in Action {Inquiry Based Instruction}

The power students have in learning is emphasized with Inquiry Based Instruction (IBI). IBI provides an outlet for students creativity to be directed into scientific learning. The power of IBI is that there are usually more questions formulated from researching one question as well as allow students to explore their own curiosities. Below is a pictorial representation of the steps in IBI: 

A simpler step-by-step process is: 

      1. Question

      2. Investigate

      3. Use evidence to describe, explain, & predict

      4. Connect evidence to knowledge

      5. Share readings

I want to discuss the 5-E Model which is engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. Like the article stated, it can be adapted to fit any instruction. What appeals to me about the 5-E model is the flexibility and teachable opportunities each of the five sections have to offer. Each section is adapted to the subject matter and as the steps progress continue to adapt to the changes of the outcome of the step prior. 

IBI is needed in our classrooms because it emphasizes real world thinking, applicable skills used everyday int the workplace, and increases understanding by applying prior knowledge and skills to further learning. As an educator with a lot of enthusiasm, I find reading about assuming the role of a facilitator difficult. I want to find a way to guide student's learning to be successful, like most educators, but I need to remember the power learning from failure has for students.  

The three words that are said in the Journal of Agriculture Education,"Knowledge-in-action" summarizes IBI. It reiterates learning by doing and student ownership by applying the scientific method to any instruction. It is an opportunity for students to be creativity, be curious, and apply skills and knowledge previously learned. As a facilitator I guide the students to discovery but find ways to be adaptable because students can take multiple paths when engaging in IBI.