COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) in Vocational Education course, which explores the powerful role that inquiry can play in developing essential vocational skills and fostering a deeper understanding of industry practices.
Inquiry-Based Learning is an educational approach that encourages learners to actively seek answers, investigate real-world problems, and draw insights through exploration and questioning. In the context of VET, IBL not only enhances engagement but also aligns well with the hands-on, competency-driven nature of vocational training, providing learners with a robust platform for developing critical and practical skills.
The course begins by unpacking the stages of Inquiry-Based Learning, starting with formulating questions and hypotheses, followed by investigating and researching within vocational contexts, and finally reflecting on findings and applying them in practice. This approach cultivates a process of continuous learning and problem-solving that is vital for success in real-world vocational settings.
Creating a culture of inquiry within VET classrooms is essential for fostering curiosity and open-ended thinking. You’ll learn strategies to encourage a safe environment where learners feel empowered to ask questions, explore concepts freely, and collaborate with peers, reinforcing the role of inquiry as a pathway to deeper learning.
Designing inquiry-based activities around real-world problems helps learners connect theoretical knowledge with practical application. This section guides you in structuring activities with clear objectives and industry-relevant scenarios, enabling learners to develop skills that directly translate to their vocational fields.
Developing essential inquiry skills equips learners with the tools they need for effective investigation and problem-solving. You’ll learn techniques for teaching questioning, research, and critical thinking skills, supporting learners in building analytical abilities and becoming resourceful problem solvers.
Using questioning strategies is key to driving inquiry forward. Here, you’ll explore different types of questions, such as open-ended and reflective questions, and learn how to guide learners in formulating their own questions, fostering a more learner-driven and curiosity-fuelled approach to discovery.
Integrating Inquiry-Based Learning with competency-based training ensures that learning activities remain aligned with industry standards. This section covers how to balance open inquiry with structured learning outcomes, creating a training model that meets both educational and vocational goals.
Incorporating industry-relevant scenarios further strengthens the connection between inquiry and vocational training. You’ll learn to design scenarios and case studies that reflect current industry practices, allowing learners to apply inquiry skills in authentic contexts.
Facilitating learner-centred inquiry empowers students to take ownership of their learning. You’ll explore ways to shift from instructor-led to learner-driven approaches, providing guidance without directing solutions and enabling learners to develop independence and accountability.
Technology can greatly enhance inquiry-based learning. This section introduces digital tools for research, virtual simulations, and platforms for collaboration, helping learners engage in inquiry through technology and apply their skills in a modern, tech-driven workplace.
Assessing Inquiry-Based Learning outcomes requires a nuanced approach. Here, you’ll learn to design rubrics that evaluate both the process and product of inquiry, using formative feedback to support learners in refining their inquiry skills and reflecting on their learning journey.
Reflection and self-assessment are essential components of the inquiry process. This section guides you in encouraging learners to document their inquiry experiences, use reflection as a tool for skill development, and reinforce learning through self-evaluation.
Overcoming challenges in Inquiry-Based Learning, such as managing time constraints or addressing learner resistance, ensures that IBL remains effective and adaptable. You’ll explore solutions for these challenges and learn how to adapt IBL to suit diverse learner needs.
Balancing inquiry with direct instruction is vital for a well-rounded training experience. This section covers when to integrate direct teaching to support inquiry skills, ensuring that learners receive both foundational knowledge and opportunities for exploration.
Finally, engaging industry professionals in inquiry-based learning enhances real-world relevance. You’ll discover how to incorporate guest speakers, partner with employers, and encourage job shadowing to enrich the inquiry experience, giving learners first-hand exposure to industry challenges.
By the end of this course, you will have the tools and knowledge to implement Inquiry-Based Learning effectively within VET programs, helping learners develop both critical thinking and practical skills that are essential for their vocational success.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
Provide an INTRODUCTION for the course Inquiry-Based Learning in Vocational Education, that covers the following:
1. Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)
- Definition and Principles of Inquiry-Based Learning
- The Role of Inquiry in Vocational Education
- Benefits of IBL for VET Learners and Trainers
2. The Stages of Inquiry-Based Learning
- The Process of Questioning and Hypothesis Forming
- Investigation and Research in Vocational Contexts
- Reflection and Application of Findings in Practice
3. Creating a Culture of Inquiry in VET Classrooms
- Encouraging Curiosity and Open-Ended Thinking
- Fostering a Safe Environment for Questions and Exploration
- Promoting Collaboration and Peer Learning
4. Designing Inquiry-Based Learning Activities
- Structuring Activities Around Real-World Problems
- Developing Clear Objectives for Inquiry-Based Tasks
- Integrating Industry-Relevant Scenarios in Activities
5. Developing Essential Inquiry Skills in Learners
- Teaching Questioning Techniques and Critical Thinking
- Developing Research and Information Literacy Skills
- Building Problem-Solving and Analytical Abilities
6. Using Questioning Strategies to Drive Inquiry
- Types of Questions: Open-Ended, Probing, and Reflective
- Encouraging Learners to Formulate Their Own Questions
- Guiding Learners Through the Inquiry Process with Questions
7. Integrating Inquiry-Based Learning with Competency-Based Training
- Aligning IBL Activities with Competency Standards
- Using Inquiry to Address Industry Skills Requirements
- Balancing Inquiry with Structured Learning Outcomes
8. Incorporating Industry-Relevant Scenarios in IBL
- Designing Scenarios that Reflect Real Vocational Challenges
- Applying Inquiry in Problem-Solving for Specific Industries
- Creating Case Studies Based on Current Industry Practices
9. Facilitating Learner-Centred Inquiry
- Shifting from Instructor-Led to Learner-Driven Approaches
- Providing Guidance and Support Without Directing Solutions
- Empowering Learners to Take Responsibility for Their Learning
10. Using Technology to Enhance Inquiry-Based Learning
- Digital Tools for Research and Investigation
- Virtual Simulations and Interactive Platforms for Inquiry
- Supporting Collaboration and Communication Through Technology
11. Assessing Inquiry-Based Learning Outcomes
- Designing Rubrics for Evaluating Inquiry Skills
- Assessing Both the Process and the Product of Inquiry
- Providing Formative Feedback to Support Inquiry Development
12. Encouraging Reflection and Self-Assessment
- Techniques for Reflective Learning and Self-Evaluation
- Encouraging Learners to Document and Reflect on the Inquiry Process
- Using Reflection to Reinforce Learning and Skill Development
13. Overcoming Challenges in Inquiry-Based Learning
- Addressing Learner Resistance to Open-Ended Inquiry
- Managing Time Constraints in the Inquiry Process
- Adapting Inquiry-Based Approaches for Diverse Learner Needs
14. Balancing Inquiry with Direct Instruction
- Determining When to Use Direct Instruction vs. Inquiry
- Integrating Direct Teaching to Support Inquiry Skills
- Finding the Right Balance for Vocational Skill Development
15. Engaging Industry Professionals in Inquiry-Based Learning
- Inviting Guest Speakers to Discuss Real-World Challenges
- Partnering with Employers for Inquiry-Based Projects
- Encouraging Job Shadowing and Workplace Observations
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.