January 2024: Let's talk evidence – The case for combining inquiry-based and direct instruction

This month we are going to delve into the arguments for and against inquiry-based learning v's direct instruction. Here is the link to the article https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1747938X23000295?via%3Dihub

Click picture for link to research article

Highlights

Inquiry-based methods are generally effective for acquiring conceptual knowledge.
Learners must have appropriate prior knowledge to benefit from inquiry learning.
Inquiry-based approaches usually provide learners with (initial) scaffolding.
Many contextual factors determine the success of an instructional approach.
A smart combination of direct instruction and inquiry is often the most effective.

Once you have read the article please use the question prompt below to join in the conversation.

7 comments

Comments (7)

Unknown member

Jan 24

It's an interesting article, although I will admit I didn't understand all the teacher vocab & terminology. It seems to demonstrate that there are advantages to a combination of teaching methods, both direct and investigation, althought more research is needed to be more conclusive. Certainly, it recogniszes that students are individuals and some will benefit more from one teaching method while others benefit more from another. The biggest challenge to wider uptake of inquiry learning in the classroom, as I understand it from this article, is that it requires more hands-on staff time, new IT, etc. to deliver, whereas direct instruction is less labour-intensive. I don't know that there is a political appetite for teaching students to think for themselves, particularly if it is going to be more expensive to deliver?

Unknown member

Jan 25

Replying to

@Kimberley Lawson it is good for us to read something for teachers so that we become familiar with 'teacher speak', I struggled a little too 😊. What I liked about this research is that it does not focus on either/or but points out that both ways can be taught in unison.

I know that many schools that teach GCSE or A'Levels will struggle to embrace inquiry-based learning. Anything new is difficult and time-consuming but what this article misses is the expertise and support of the school librarian who can make this transition easier, supporting teachers and empowering students to learn how to learn and think for themselves.

I also think that there is a wind of change coming through the introduction of AI within education and it won't be too long before something like inquiry-based learning will be in all schools going forward. It will be good to be ready for this.

Unknown member

Jan 20

Question 1. Addressing Criticisms:

What problems do the authors find with the idea that direct teaching is better than inquiry learning? Do you think the authors successfully explain why?

Unknown member

Jan 20

Question 2. Comparing Teaching Methods:

What are the strengths and weaknesses of inquiry learning and direct teaching according to the research? Can you think of situations where one might work better than the other?

Unknown member

Jan 20

Question 3. Factors Affecting Teaching Success:

The research says teaching success depends on certain factors. Can you give examples of these factors? How might teachers adjust their methods based on them?

Unknown member

Jan 20

Question 4. Combining Inquiry and Direct Teaching:

The article suggests that using both inquiry and direct teaching can be effective. How do you think these two methods can work together? Can you think of examples where a mix would be helpful?

Unknown member

Jan 20

Question 5. Impact on Policies:

The authors recommend promoting inquiry learning in policies, especially with some direct teaching. How could this recommendation change how schools and governments approach teaching? Do you see any challenges with this approach?