1. Session 5 Teaching and learning approaches: Enquiry-based learning
Welcome the group and do introductions.
Session 5 Teaching and learning approaches: Enquiry-based learning

2. Introduction
Aim
to support you to use enquiry-based learning as an approach to teaching controversial issues
Objectives
to develop your understanding of enquiry-based learning
to develop your understanding of your role and the pupil’s role in enquiry-based learning
to enable you to use the enquiry process to plan teaching controversial issues
Refer to the slide.

3. Enquiry-based learning
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4. Enquiry-based learning
Enquiry-based learning involves:
learning stimulated by enquiry or a problem
a learner-centred approach with the teacher acting as a learning facilitator
focusing on the process of constructing knowledge and deepening understanding
active learning
using effective questions and collaborative working
self-reflection/evaluation
independent learning
Refer to the slide.

5. Activity 1: The role of the teacher
Work in groups of four or five.
What is the teacher’s role in enquiry-based learning?
Write down your ideas on the teacher role on Post-its and place them on the flip chart paper.
Share your ideas.
Facilitate discussion using the questions above.
After the initial discussion, give out copies of Resource Sheet 7: The role of the teacher.
Use this resource to further develop the discussion about the teacher’s role in enquiry-based learning.
Select points for discussion and ask questions.

6. Five stages of enquiry-based learning
Enquiry-based learning involves the following:
Asking questions formulated by the teacher or pupils.
Planning and predicting a plan for investigating their questions.
Investigating the answers to their questions.
Recording and reporting findings in a variety of ways.
Reflecting on how learning can be improved and planning further investigations.
Regardless of what model of enquiry-based learning you use, you can view it as consisting of five stages.
Refer to the slide.

7. Models of enquiry Closed Framed Open Teacher selects issue Questions
Information
Structure
Framed
Open
Pupils select issue
Questions
Information and structure
Arrive at their own conclusions
Teacher encourages, mediates and models
Pupils acquire skills and knowledge of the enquiry process
Models of enquiry
There are three main types of model of enquiry:
Structured/closed: you present an issue or problem and a structure for approaching it.
Framed: you provide questions to stimulate enquiry. Pupil learning is self-directed. They use their own approach to exploring the issue and questions. You support pupils to construct learning.
Open: pupils formulate their own questions and work through the enquiry cycle. You and the pupils co-construct learning.
Facilitate discussion using the following questions.
Questions
Have you any experience of using enquiry-based learning?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each model described on the slide?

8. Activity 2: Identifying a question/problem to investigate
Work in groups of four.
Think of an example of a controversial issue.
Discuss your ideas and questions about the issue.
Write down one question you would like to address on a large sheet of paper.
Pass your sheet of paper to the next group.
Discuss the question at the top of the new page and write down your amendments.
Share your questions across the group.
Activity 2: Identifying a question/problem to investigate
Refer to the slide.
In this activity you will work in groups of four to decide on a controversial issue to investigate and the question for the investigation.
Facilitate discussion using the questions below.
Questions
Is the question too broad or too narrow?
Is the question biased?
Is it OK to have a biased question as a starting point for an investigation?
Why did you choose this question?
Could it be asked in a different way?
What responses would you expect to receive?
How would you research the question?
What would you expect pupils to learn from their enquiry?

9. Using the enquiry process
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10. Using the enquiry process
Questioning
Planning
Investigating
Recording and Communicating
Reflecting
What type of enquiry model will you use? Why?
What should be the focus of the investigation?
What do you want pupils to learn about?
What do you want pupils to find out?
How will pupils plan and manage the investigation?
What information is required?
Where can pupils find the information?
What attitudes, skills and capabilities will pupils develop?
How long should the enquiry take?
What research methods should pupils use?
How will pupils gather their research evidence?
How will pupils analyse and evaluate the information?
What information will pupils record?
How will pupils record and present the information?
Did pupils answer the main question about the issue?
What did pupils learn about the controversial issue?
What attitudes, skills and capabilities did pupils develop?
What would you do differently?
Using the enquiry process to investigate a controversial issue
You may find it helpful when planning teaching controversial issues to think about the five stages of enquiry-based learning and ask questions. This will help you to think about what steps you need to take to plan and teach enquiry-based activities.
Refer to the slide.
Facilitate discussion using the following questions.
Questions
Are these questions helpful?
What other questions would you include?

11. Activity 3: Using the enquiry process for planning
Work in groups of four.
Use the controversial issue you identified in Activity 2.
Use the enquiry process template to plan teaching on the controversial issue.
Share your work.
Give each group a printout of Resource Sheet 8 (the enquiry process template).
In this activity you will use the questions in the enquiry process template to help you plan teaching on a controversial issue.
When the teachers have completed the activity, facilitate discussion.

12. Debrief
Is enquiry-based learning a ‘good’ approach to teaching controversial issues?
Would you feel confident/comfortable using this approach?
Is asking questions useful during the different stages of the enquiry process?
Refer to the slide.
Facilitate discussion using these points.