How Should We Approach Inquiry in the Classroom?

In this chapter, we describe our specific framework for inquiry. The inquiry framework we propose begins with a compelling question. Then students develop a hypothesis. From there, students answer supporting questions, which guide their thinking and the development of a conclusion. For each supporting question, students examine sources, then revisit their hypothesis. This promotes flexible thinking – the idea that students’ thinking should change as they examine more evidence. Finally, after examining all sources, students write their final argument or conclusion, which should answer the compelling question and be supported through evidence from the sources. This chapter also describes how teachers can create their own lessons and how they can help students develop their own inquiries using this framework.