In inquiry-based learning, the teacher's role shifts significantly from being the primary source of information to becoming a facilitator and guide for student exploration.
The teacher's role is critical in inquiry learning, but the role is different from that for which most teachers have been prepared. The teacher becomes the leader of the learning, or the facilitator of the learning process. This means instead of delivering lectures, the teacher guides students as they investigate questions, problems, or phenomena. Modeling is extremely important for younger learners, showing them how to ask questions, conduct research, and make connections.
Key Facets of the Teacher's Role
Inquiry-based learning places the student at the center of the investigation. The teacher's job is to support and enable this process, rather than directing every step.
1. Facilitator of Learning
As the reference states, the teacher serves as the "facilitator of the learning process." This involves:
- Designing Engaging Experiences: Setting up the initial conditions, posing a compelling question, or introducing a phenomenon that sparks curiosity.
- Providing Resources: Offering access to a variety of materials, technologies, and information sources relevant to the inquiry.
- Guiding Questioning: Helping students refine their initial questions into researchable ones and encouraging deeper levels of thinking.
- Monitoring Progress: Observing student work, asking probing questions, and providing timely feedback.
- Managing the Learning Environment: Creating a safe, collaborative space where students feel comfortable taking risks and exploring ideas.
2. Leader of Learning
The teacher is also the "leader of the learning," which means they are responsible for the overall direction and goals of the inquiry. This includes:
- Establishing Learning Goals: Ensuring the inquiry aligns with curriculum standards and desired learning outcomes.
- Scaffolding Support: Providing appropriate levels of support, from direct instruction when needed to stepping back as students become more independent.
- Fostering Skill Development: Explicitly teaching research skills, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills necessary for successful inquiry.
- Assessing Understanding: Developing authentic assessments that measure not just content knowledge, but also the process of inquiry and the development of skills.
3. Modeler
Especially for younger learners, but beneficial for all, modeling is crucial. The teacher models:
- Curiosity and the joy of discovery.
- Effective questioning techniques.
- Research strategies and how to evaluate information.
- Collaboration and respectful dialogue.
- How to deal with challenges and setbacks during an investigation.
Comparing Roles
Here's a simplified view of the shift in roles:
| Traditional Teacher Role | Inquiry Teacher Role |
|---|---|
| Dispenser of Information | Guide and Facilitator |
| Primary Authority | Co-Learner and Supporter |
| Directs Learning Steps | Guides Exploration and Problem-Solving |
| Evaluates Final Answers | Assesses Process and Understanding |
| Focus on Content Transmission | Focus on Skill Development & Deep Inquiry |
Practical Insights
- Start Small: Teachers new to inquiry can begin with shorter, guided inquiry tasks before moving to more open-ended investigations.
- Embrace Questions: View student questions not as interruptions, but as opportunities to deepen the inquiry.
- Collaborate: Work with other teachers to share ideas and resources for facilitating inquiry.
By embracing these roles, teachers empower students to take ownership of their learning, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for lifelong learning.
