What does inquiry-based instruction primarily begin with?

Inquiry-based instruction primarily begins with posing questions or problems. This approach focuses on engaging students by stimulating their curiosity and encouraging them to explore topics through investigation and hands-on learning. By starting with questions or problems, educators create a dynamic learning environment where students feel motivated to seek answers and delve deeper into the subject matter.

In this instructional strategy, the role of the teacher shifts from being a primary source of information to a facilitator of learning. Students are encouraged to ask their own questions, design experiments, and develop critical thinking skills as they navigate through the inquiry process. This method fosters a sense of ownership over learning, allowing students to construct knowledge based on their experiences and discoveries.

Presenting established facts, teaching sound-spelling relationships, and creating strict lesson plans do not align with the core essence of inquiry-based learning, which thrives on exploration and student-led questioning. In contrast to these methods, which may focus more on rote learning or predetermined outcomes, inquiry-based instruction prioritizes the process of learning itself through genuine inquiry and investigation.