Student Investigation and Involvement in a Multidiscipline, Inquiry-Based Learning Course

• In Event: Roundtable Session 10
  In Roundtable Session: Education for the Digital Natives

Abstract

Inquiry-based learning shows great promise as an instructional method due to its affordances for students to interact with content in engaging, authentic and meaningful ways. Yet, providing inquiry-based learning opportunities while also teaching content aligned to standards can be challenging. This study investigated a novel use of technology to provide students with inquiry-based learning opportunities across disciplines, grade-levels and nations with content directly aligned to standards. Students were tasked with working collaboratively to solve problems around a worldwide pandemic called SCORCH. Results suggest that participation in SCORCH is related to increases in students’ investigation, involvement and creative thinking. As such, it is a promising way to meet the competing demands of teaching content standards and providing inquiry-based learning opportunities.

Authors

• Liane Wardlow, Pearson Education

• Rob Kadel, Pearson Education, Inc.