Learning should be more than simply information delivery, especially when it comes to children. It is essential to activate a child's curiosity and get them engaged in the process. That is where inquiry-based learning is flourishing these days! Here's all you need to know about this well-rounded learning strategy. 

What is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Inquiry-based learning, as the definition goes, is a teaching method that combines your child's curiosity with the development of critical thinking skills. To put it simply, the child questions everything to trigger creative thinking. It promotes engagement, a spirit of inquiry, creative thinking, and experimentation.

Let us understand what inquiry-based learning is from the perspective of:

• The kids – Since the need to question is the hallmark of our species, inquiry sets a definite purpose for your child's learning. Their questions, ideas, and observations get an open platform. Ideal learning happens when you allow children to play, experiment, and learn at their own pace.

• The parents – Inquiry-based learning will tap into your creativity and passions since you will be responsible for encouraging your child's nature to question. You will have to support them to explore the topics in-depth and nudge them in the appropriate direction for the correct answers when necessary.

It requires experimentation to see which direction suits your kids the best, and for that, you need to know some of the representations of inquiry-based learning. Give your child the skills for tomorrow. Enroll with PlanetSpark today!

Types of Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning uses different approaches, cultivating skills with adequate guidance and group discussions. The different kinds of inquiry-based learning include:

• Confirmation Inquiry – In this level 1 inquiry, you will offer the questions to the child along with a procedure that leads to known results.

• Structured Inquiry – For the level 2 inquiry, you will provide your child with the initial question and outline of the procedure where the results are unknown. The kids will investigate their findings.

• Guided Inquiry – Within level 3, it is the kids who design and follow procedures. You will only offer them the question.

• Open Inquiry – Finally, for level 4, the children will formulate research questions, design a procedure, and communicate their results.

Regardless of the level, inquiry-based learning offers a whole range of advantages. Turn curiosity into confidence- explore PlanetSpark’s Live Classes. Sign Up Now!

Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning

The benefits of inquiry-based learning range far beyond simply allowing the students to take charge of their learning. These include:

• Initiates Brain Prepping for Learning – Beginning a learning session with a short activity helps children absorb information throughout the day.

• Promotes a Deeper Understanding of Content – Their quest for answers develops a deeper understanding of the topic.

• A Sense of Rewarding – Working on their own helps kids feel achievement and confidence.

• Builds Initiative and Self-Direction – Children start taking ownership of learning and develop lifelong curiosity.

• Fosters Curiosity – By asking questions, kids connect lessons to real-life examples.

• Increases Engagement – Being a form of active learning, this approach pushes children to fully engage themselves in exploration. 

Inquiry-Based Learning Strategies

• Ask them to come up with one question they want to find an answer to.

• Help them create sub-questions that support the main topic.

• Provide resources- books, articles, or mentors- to help investigate.

This encourages kids to go beyond the “what” and explore the “why” and “how.”

Inquiry-Based Learning Activities

Some activities that spark curiosity include:

• Visiting a local museum

• Building a bird feeder

• Gardening or berry picking

• Touring the library

• Observing the stars from the backyard

• Writing letters to friends

• Taking part in scavenger hunts

Even simple activities can transform into powerful learning experiences when approached with an inquiry mindset.

Why PlanetSpark Supports Inquiry-Based Learning

PlanetSpark integrates inquiry-driven methods in its spoken English and communication courses. Instead of rote learning, kids actively ask, explore, debate, and present. Teachers guide them to discover answers on their own, building critical thinking alongside confidence.

This child-centric approach ensures learning is fun, practical, and deeply impactful- skills that last a lifetime.

FAQs 

Q1. What age group benefits most from inquiry-based learning?
A: Children between 6–14 years benefit the most, as they’re naturally curious and open to exploring ideas.

Q2. How does PlanetSpark use inquiry-based learning?
A: PlanetSpark coaches encourage kids to ask questions, debate, and present ideas- making every class interactive and curiosity-driven.

Q3. Can inquiry-based learning improve spoken English?
A: Yes! By asking questions, role-playing, and debating, kids naturally practice fluency, articulation, and confidence in English.

Q4. Is inquiry-based learning suitable for shy children?
A: Absolutely. It provides a safe space where even shy kids can gradually open up, ask questions, and gain confidence at their own pace.