Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a teaching strategy that fosters curiosity and critical thinking through the investigation of both teacher and student-generated questions. The careful construction of an inquiry-based lesson or unit puts students at the center of the learning process as they actively engage in exploration and research in order to deepen their understanding of essential questions and those of their own generation.

In this two-session program, we will explore the core components of inquiry-based learning, focusing on the ways that an IBL task can foster student engagement, increase motivation, and develop skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.  After a foundational overview, the facilitators will share tools and templates to develop and grade an inquiry-based learning task, and participants will have an opportunity to create and receive feedback on their own project to use in their classroom, whether virtual or in-person. 

Program Goals/Outcomes:

• We will explore the core components of inquiry-based learning, as applied to a history/social science classroom
• We will introduce tools, frameworks, rubrics, and templates teachers can use to develop an inquiry-based task in their classroom
• Participants will develop, share, and get feedback on their inquiry-based task from other educators