We learn best when we are at the center of our own learning. Inquiry-based learning is a learning process through questions generated from the interests, curiosities, and perspectives/experiences of the learner. When investigations grow from our own questions, curiosities, and experiences, learning is an organic and motivating process that is intrinsically enjoyable.(1)
and I found that the traditional approach to learning different in many aspects to inquiry- based learning which are in this table
| Inquiry-based learning | Traditional approach to learning |
| Teacher Role: As coach and facilitator | Teacher Role: As dispenser of knowledge |
| * Transmits information | * Communicates with groups |
| * Communicates with individuals | * Helps students process information |
| * Directs student actions | * Directs student actions |
| * Explains conceptual relationships | * Facilitates student thinking |
| * Teacher's knowledge is static | * Models the learning process |
| * Directed use of textbook, etc. | * Flexible use of materials |
| Student Role: As passive receiver | Student Role: As self-directed learner |
| * Records teacher's information | * Processes information |
| * Memorizes information | * Interprets, explains, hypothesizes |
| * Follows teacher directions | * Designs own activities |
| * Defers to teacher as authority | * Shares authority for answers |
| * Transmits information | * Communicates with groups |
This approach was not previously used here in the Bahrain schools because during the years of my studies I didn't know this approach and it was not used by our teachers but recently, it has been used in Bahrain schools and I have decided to use it with my students because it is very useful for them.
