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Modern education is evolving rapidly, shifting from the memorisation of facts to the cultivation of curiosity, exploration and critical thinking. At the heart of this transformation is inquiry-based teaching, an approach that empowers students to ask questions, investigate and construct their own understanding of the world. This glossary explains the key terms, principles and strategies that define inquiry-based learning and inquiry-based teaching, while highlighting how they inspire creativity, confidence and lifelong curiosity in students.
A
Active Learning
A dynamic approach to education where students are directly involved in the learning process. In inquiry-based learning, students participate in experiments, discussions and investigations rather than passively receiving information.
Assessment for Learning
An essential part of inquiry-based teaching, where assessment is continuous and formative. Teachers guide learning through regular feedback and reflection, rather than relying solely on final exams.
B
Brainstorming
A creative technique used in inquiry-based learning activities to generate ideas, questions, or hypotheses at the start of an inquiry. It encourages students to think freely and collaboratively.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
A framework that ranks cognitive skills from simple recall to higher-order thinking such as analysis, evaluation and creation. Inquiry-based teaching focuses on developing the higher levels of this taxonomy.
C
Collaboration
Working together to solve problems and explore ideas. In inquiry-based learning, collaboration fosters teamwork, empathy and communication skills — essential for both academic and real-world success.
Constructivism
A learning theory that underpins inquiry-based teaching. It proposes that learners build their own understanding through experiences, reflection and interaction with others.
Curiosity
The engine of inquiry. Inquiry-based teaching nurtures curiosity by allowing students’ questions to guide the direction of learning.
D
Deep Learning
Understanding concepts at a fundamental level rather than memorising surface facts. Inquiry-based learning encourages deep learning through investigation and application.
Differentiation
Tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners. In inquiry-based classrooms, teachers adapt activities and questions to different learning styles and abilities.
E
Essential Questions
Open-ended, thought-provoking questions that drive inquiry. These questions have no single correct answer and encourage students to explore multiple perspectives.
Example: “How do societies make ethical decisions?”
Exploration Phase
A stage of inquiry-based teaching where students research, observe and experiment to gather evidence before drawing conclusions.
F
Formative Assessment
Ongoing assessment throughout the learning process. In inquiry-based teaching, teachers use formative assessments to monitor progress and support students as they refine their understanding.
Feedback Loop
A continuous process of giving and receiving feedback. Students learn to use teacher and peer feedback to improve their reasoning, projects and conclusions.
G
Growth Mindset
A belief that intelligence and ability can be developed through effort and persistence. Inquiry-based learning promotes a growth mindset by valuing process, perseverance and reflection.
H
Hypothesis
A statement or assumption that can be tested through research or experimentation. Students in inquiry-based learning activities develop hypotheses and test them through investigation.
Higher-Order Thinking
Thinking that involves analysis, evaluation and creation. Inquiry-based teaching helps students move beyond memorisation to apply, question and innovate.
I
Inquiry Cycle
A structured model of the inquiry process: Ask → Investigate → Create → Discuss → Reflect. This cycle encourages continuous questioning and learning.
Independent Learning
Students take ownership of their education by planning, managing and evaluating their own learning. Inquiry-based teaching gradually fosters this independence.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Integrating knowledge from different subjects. Inquiry projects often combine science, literature, history and art to show how learning connects across disciplines.
J
Journalling
Writing reflections, observations and insights throughout an inquiry project. It’s a key tool in inquiry-based teaching that helps students track their learning journey.
K
Knowledge Construction
Building new understanding through discovery, experience and discussion. In inquiry-based learning, knowledge is not delivered — it’s constructed by the learner.
L
Learner Agency
Empowering students to make meaningful decisions about their learning. Inquiry-based teaching increases learner agency by giving students control over topics, methods and outcomes.
Lifelong Learning
A mindset fostered by inquiry-based education, where students remain curious, self-motivated and adaptable long after leaving the classroom.
M
Metacognition
Thinking about one’s own thinking. Reflection and self-awareness help students assess how they learn best — a vital part of inquiry-based learning activities.
Motivation
Intrinsic motivation is central to inquiry-based teaching. When learning is driven by curiosity and personal interest, students engage more deeply.
O
Open-Ended Tasks
Assignments that have multiple possible solutions or interpretations. These tasks, common in inquiry-based learning, develop creativity and flexible thinking.
Observation
A key research skill in inquiry learning, where students collect data through careful watching and recording before forming conclusions.
P
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
A close relative of inquiry-based learning. In PBL, students tackle real-world problems and develop solutions, building both knowledge and critical skills.
Project-Based Learning
A form of inquiry-based teaching in which students complete extended projects that result in tangible outcomes, such as reports, models, or presentations.
Prior Knowledge
The understanding students bring into a learning situation. Effective inquiry-based learning connects new knowledge to what students already know.
Q
Questioning Techniques
Strategies for asking meaningful, open-ended questions that drive curiosity. In inquiry-based teaching, both teachers and students learn how to ask questions that deepen understanding.
Qualitative Data
Descriptive data — such as observations, interviews, or journals — that students analyse in inquiry projects to uncover patterns or themes.
R
Reflection
The process of reviewing what has been learned and how. Reflection helps students make connections, identify growth and set future goals.
Research Skills
Skills for finding, evaluating and using reliable information. Strong research ability is fundamental to successful inquiry-based learning activities.
S
Scaffolding
Support provided by teachers during complex tasks. In inquiry-based teaching, scaffolding is gradually removed as students gain confidence and independence.
Socratic Dialogue
A structured form of questioning and discussion that promotes deep reasoning. It’s often used in inquiry-based classrooms to develop critical thinking.
Self-Assessment
Students evaluate their own progress and set goals for improvement, fostering accountability and self-direction.
T
Teacher as Facilitator
In inquiry-based teaching, the teacher’s role shifts from instructor to guide. Rather than giving answers, the teacher supports students in finding answers themselves.
Transfer of Learning
Applying knowledge or skills learned in one context to a new one — one of the ultimate goals of inquiry-based learning.
U
Understanding by Design (UbD)
A framework where teachers plan lessons backwards from desired outcomes, ensuring that inquiry-based learning activities are purposeful and aligned with objectives.
Uncertainty
A natural part of inquiry learning. Students learn to embrace uncertainty as a catalyst for exploration and creativity.
V
Visual Thinking
Using diagrams, mind maps, or drawings to represent understanding. Visual thinking supports creativity and helps students explain abstract ideas clearly.
Voice and Choice
Allowing students to choose their topics, questions and formats for presenting their learning — essential principles of inquiry-based teaching.
W
Wonder Wall
A classroom space where students post questions and ideas that arise from curiosity. It acts as a living archive of future inquiry projects.
World Connections
Linking classroom learning to global issues and real-world contexts. Inquiry-based learning encourages students to see relevance in their studies.
X
eXperiential Learning
Learning through direct experience — “learning by doing.” It’s at the core of inquiry-based learning, where students engage in experiments, fieldwork, or real-world challenges.
Y
Year-End Exhibition
A culminating presentation where students showcase their inquiry projects, highlighting how their curiosity led to meaningful discoveries.
Z
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
A concept from psychologist Lev Vygotsky describing the gap between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. Inquiry-based teaching thrives within this zone, balancing support and challenge.
Final Words
Inquiry-based learning is more than a method; it’s a mindset. Through inquiry-based teaching, students are guided to ask questions, think critically and engage deeply with knowledge. By participating in inquiry-based learning activities, they develop curiosity, independence and confidence — qualities essential for lifelong learning in a changing world. In classrooms that value inquiry, curiosity isn’t just encouraged — it becomes the driving force behind every lesson.
Regent International School Malaysia delivers inquiry-based learning through the Cambridge pathway, where students actively explore and apply concepts rather than rely on rote learning. Its Early Years programme fosters curiosity and collaboration through play-based, child-centred experiences. Modern classrooms, STEM labs and robotics initiatives encourage students to question, experiment and solve real-world problems. As part of the Global Schools Group, Regent integrates skills-based and values-driven learning to develop globally minded thinkers. Discover how inquiry-based learning can shape your child’s future—book a campus tour at Regent International School today.