What are some of the benefits of inquiry projects? Begin to think about
cross-curricular literacy connections.
There are many benefits of inquiry projects. Through inquiry students
engage in a more student-centered approach to learning and develop
critical thinking skills. These strategies offer practice with using the
scientific process of “coming up with suppositions, and then asking
questions, testing theories, and revising their theories and assumptions
based on integration of results.” (Fox & Hoffman, 2011). Inquiry
projects also builds questioning and problem-solving skills based upon
natural curiosity that students have. Another benefit of inquiry projects
is that students can apply it in real-word scenarios and can use
concrete tools and methods as a hands-on approach toward learning.
Lastly it also fosters collaboration within the classroom. Through
inquiry students can answer open-ended questions using language to
promote learning. Group discussion also promote the use of speaking
and listening. Connections are establishing between various
combinations of content areas which broadens the lens of
understanding, applying skills learning in lessons of one subject across
other content areas. Using strategies such as the ones mentioned
above aids in making learning authentic.
References
Fox, J., & Hoffman, W. (2011). The Differentiated Instruction Book of
Lists. Wiley.