Importance of Inquiry in Learning

(Part Two of a multi-part series)

Memorizing facts, data and information is not the most important skill in today's world as it was in the past. Facts change rapidly and information is readily available. What is needed today is an understanding of how to get and make sense of the mass of information we must process.

Teachers must understand that the learning experience needs to go beyond data and information accumulation and move toward the generation of useful and applicable knowledge. It is this process that is supported by inquiry-based learning. In the past the success of our country depended upon a supply of natural resources. Today is depends upon a workforce that "works smarter."

Through the process of inquiry-based learning individuals can construct much of their understanding of the natural and human-designed worlds. As we noted in Part One, inquiry implies a "need or want to know" premise. Inquiry is not so much seeking the right answer, because often there is none to find. Rather, inquiry is seeking appropriate answers to questions and issues. For educators and trainers, this implies that there will be an emphasis on the development of inquiry skills and nurturing of inquiring attitudes or habits that will enable individuals to continue their quest for knowledge throughout their life.

Content as part of the learning experience is important, but it is not a means to an end, and not an end in itself. Knowledge, data and information is ever-evolving and constantly expanding. No one individual can ever learn everything, but they can enhance or develop their skills and nurture the inquiring attitudes necessary to continue to learn and grow the rest of their lives. For successful educators and trainers, the skills and abilities to continue learning, using inquiry-based learning, should be the most important outcome.

Copyright M. A. Webb, 2005. All Rights Reserved

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