Using an Inquiry-Based Approach in the Humanities

The traditional role of the humanities in K-12 education is to develop students’ communication, critical thinking, and literacy skills. However, traditional teacher-centered methods may not effectively engage students or foster a love for learning. By this, I am referring to the clichéd "sage on the stage" model that we are encouraged to run away from.

In our advancing age of student-centered learning and personalized learning, inquiry-based learning (IBL) is an instructional approach that encourages exploration, collaboration, and problem-solving. But if you're like me, maybe it's hard to wrap your head around how to balance an inquiry-based approach with the goals of your unit, curriculum, and school. Maybe I can help.

Let's agree on a common base of understanding: IBL is a student-centered approach that emphasizes active participation, reflection, and discovery. Rather than passively receiving information from the teacher, students engage with the material by generating questions, seeking answers, and making connections. In a language arts classroom, this might involve analyzing literature, researching topics, or producing writing in multiple genres. The process of inquiry typically follows these stages:

1. Questioning – Students generate open-ended questions based on their interests or curricular goals (We as teachers can help guide these questions so they are grounded in our curriculum)

2. Investigation – Students research, gather, and evaluate information using diverse sources.

3. Collaboration – Students work together to share ideas, contribute insights, and support each other’s learning.

4. Reflection – Students assess their progress, apply new knowledge to real-world problems, and identify areas for improvement.

It can be scary to go out on a limb and try something we've never done. We can't be afraid to fail the first time, or the second time. It may take four or five times for us to really find our grooves as inquiry-based teachers. Remember, there are unique benefits to using IBL in language arts classrooms, no matter what your population of students may be:

1. Increased engagement – Students who participate in IBL are more likely to be motivated and invested in what they are learning because they have ownership over the process.

2. Improved critical thinking – IBL requires students to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, which develops higher-order thinking skills.

3. Cultivation of curiosity – IBL nurtures students’ natural desire to explore and learn by encouraging them to ask questions and pursue topics of interest.

4. Development of communication skills – IBL requires students to articulate their ideas, listen to others, and negotiate meaning.

5. Preparation for lifelong learning – IBL prepares students for the demands of college and career by developing skills such as self-directed learning, problem-solving, and collaboration.

There is significant research supporting the use of IBL in K-12 classrooms. A meta-analysis conducted by Scott et al. (2017) found that IBL had a positive impact on student achievement, motivation, and engagement across subject areas. Moreover, a study by Peek and Newby (2014) found that IBL improved language arts outcomes, particularly in writing and reading comprehension. These findings suggest that IBL is an effective approach to enhancing student learning in language arts classrooms.

We have to be willing to be a little uncomfortable. With the proliferation of access to technology that so many of our kids have today, Inquiry-based instruction is more attainable than ever before. It is a powerful instructional approach that can enhance student learning, engagement, and critical thinking in language arts classrooms. By emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and reflection, IBL helps students become active participants in their own learning process. Research supports the use of IBL, and a wealth of resources are available to help educators implement this approach. If you take the plunge and embrace inquiry-based learning, you will find that your students are more motivated, curious, and prepared for future academic and career success, whatever their path may be.

Sample Guiding Questions for Languages Arts Inquiry

How did society and culture influence the development of the superhero genre?

How has the graphic novel changed how we consume literature?

Why are teenagers obsessed with horror films?

How do you make a successful movie?