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=**What is inquiry based learning? **=

Inquiry-based learning is a process of investigating an essential question, problem or idea in order to gain deep understandings and create new knowledge. Essential questions, problems or ideas are formulated around real world issues that allow students to connect learning outcomes to their own lives. Students gain effective research skills, while increasing their communication, creativity, independence and problem solving skills. The idea is that understandings are constructed through the process of people working together to problem solve, collaborate and communicate with one another. Using inquiry in the classroom allows for differentiation and personalized learning.

=Who is involved? =

Ideally inquiry based learning is planned, delivered and assessed by a teacher and teacher-librarian. The subject area teacher brings the curricular expertise while the teacher-librarian provides knowledge of the inquiry process, appropriate resources, research and documentation skills along with knowledge regarding Web2.0 tools. Both the teacher and teacher-librarian work as facilitators, helping students at various points in the inquiry process. Inquiry is not an independent work project nor is it an add on. The role of the teacher(s) is crucial for student success and teachers spend a lot of time working one on one with students or groups during the inquiry process.

=Where to start? =

If you are new to inquiry based learning, start small. Work backwards by examining the learning outcomes you would like to address in the inquiry. Use these to help you create an essential question, problem or idea. Meet with your school's teacher-librarian to plan the inquiry unit. It is best to provide students with some background on the topic for the inquiry in order for them to generated questions they may have and connect to previous knowledge. Inquiries are often introduced midway through a unit or at the end.

This wiki is designed to provide you with many useful resources to move your classroom and school towards inquiry based learning.