Finally, time management can be a concern.
To manage this, start with shorter, more focused inquiries and build up to longer projects as you and your students become more comfortable with the process. By beginning small, you can incorporate inquiry-based learning without feeling like you need to overhaul your entire teaching approach.
These strategies will help you implement inquiry-based learning in a practical and manageable way.
It is worth it.
Inquiry will enhance your students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just remember central to this approach is providing an opportunity for children to ask questions, explore, and reflect on their learning.
And with tools like provocations, open-ended materials, and questioning prompts, you’ll be well on your way to fostering a classroom full of curious and engaged learners.
Inquiry-Based Learning vs Play-Based Learning
Inquiry-based learning and play-based learning are both powerful approaches that encourage children to explore, think critically, and engage with the world around them.
While they share many similarities, they also have distinct features that make them unique.
Understanding how these two methods complement each other can help you create a balanced, dynamic classroom where learning feels natural and engaging.
Similarities Between Inquiry-Based Learning and Play-Based Learning
At their core, both inquiry-based learning and play-based learning are child-centred approaches. They emphasise the importance of giving children autonomy over their learning, allowing them to follow their curiosity, ask questions, and explore concepts in ways that make sense to them.
In both approaches, the role of the teacher is to act as a facilitator rather than a traditional instructor. Instead of delivering information directly, you guide children’s learning through thoughtful provocations, materials, and questions. This helps children build essential skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration and they do it all while having fun and staying engaged.
Another key similarity is that both methods value hands-on, experiential learning. Whether children are investigating how things work through inquiry or exploring materials through play, they are learning by doing. This active engagement leads to a deeper understanding of concepts and helps children retain what they have learned.
Differences Between Inquiry-Based Learning and Play-Based Learning
While both approaches are child-centered, traditionally, inquiry-based learning is typically more structured than open-play-based learning. In inquiry-based learning, there is often a guiding question or problem that directs the exploration.
The teacher plays a more active role in guiding students toward specific learning goals, using questioning techniques and structured steps like developing questions, researching, presenting, and reflecting.
In contrast, unstructured play-based learning is more open-ended. Children are free to engage in play without a predetermined outcome, exploring materials and ideas in a way that is entirely self-directed. Play-based learning gives children the freedom to follow their interests without the constraints of a specific question or learning goal.
How Inquiry-Based Learning Complements a Play-Based Pedagogy
Although inquiry-based learning has more structure than play-based learning, the two approaches work beautifully together.
Inquiry-based learning can be seen as a natural extension of play. When children play, they naturally ask questions and experiment with ideas. For example, a child building a tower might wonder, “How tall can I make this before it falls?” This is where inquiry-based learning can step in to deepen their thinking.
By introducing thoughtful provocations or guiding questions during play, you can lead children from open-ended exploration to a more focused inquiry. This allows them to think critically about their play, engage in problem-solving, and make meaningful connections between their ideas, the curriculum and real-world concepts.