Session 1: Introduction

You know those classes where the teacher stands at the front of the room and talks, and students listen, take notes, and respond to questions when asked? That is called direct instruction and you saw an extreme example in the first video you just watched.

In contrast, there are several exploratory models of teaching—inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, discovery-based learning, problem-based learning—where the teacher is more of a guide than a director, helping students ask their own questions, explore ideas, and develop solutions. While similar to the other exploratory models, the special sauce of inquiry-based learning is curiosity. 

In this session, you’ll begin your exploration of inquiry-based learning by completing a variety of activities.