Types of Inquiry-Based Learning in the IB: Structured, Problem-Based, Open-Ended, and Guided Inquiry
Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy. In IB classrooms, teachers use a range of inquiry approaches to promote curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and deep understanding. Four powerful models are widely used:- Structured Inquiry
- Problem-Based Inquiry
- Open-Ended Inquiry
- Guided Inquiry
1. The Structured Inquiry Approach
The Structured Inquiry approach is a guided, systematic way of learning and teaching, grounded in the IB Learner Profile and its emphasis on creativity, critical thinking, and exploration. In structured inquiry classrooms, students ask questions, investigate ideas, and construct understanding, instead of simply memorizing facts.Structured Inquiry is an iterative cycle of:
- Inquiry
- Research
- Reflection
- Revision
Examples of Structured Inquiry activities:
- Exploring a topic through research, readings, surveys, and interviews
- Constructing a timeline, mind map, or other visual representation of a concept
- Engaging in debates or structured discussions on a key question
- Creating a multimedia presentation to communicate findings
- Designing and carrying out a research project in depth
- Working in pairs or small groups to analyze and solve a problem
- Designing an experiment to test a hypothesis
- Developing a model, artwork, or product to demonstrate understanding
- Creating a game or simulation to illustrate a complex idea
2. The Problem-Based Inquiry Approach
Problem-based inquiry (often called Problem-Based Learning, PBL) is an innovative approach where learning begins with a real, relevant problem. Widely used in IB MYP and DP classrooms, PBL encourages students to think critically, work collaboratively, and develop robust problem-solving strategies.
In a problem-based inquiry unit:
- Students are introduced to a rich, authentic problem.
- They generate questions and identify what they need to know.
- They investigate through research, discussion, and experimentation.
- They propose, test, and refine possible solutions.
- Critical thinking
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Creativity and innovation
Examples of problem-based inquiry activities:
- Design challenge: Students design and build a model, product, or system (e.g., an eco-friendly house, water filter, community space) to solve a specific problem.
- Entrepreneurial challenge: Learners create a simple business plan or social enterprise concept that addresses a community need.
- Debate on a real issue: Students analyze a contemporary problem, gather evidence, and debate solutions from different perspectives.
- These problem-based learning tasks make IB learning relevant, engaging, and action-oriented.
3. The Open-Ended Inquiry Approach
The open-ended inquiry approach gives students maximum autonomy to shape their own learning. Rather than being given a fixed path, they generate their own questions, explore concepts, and investigate multiple angles of a topic.Open-ended inquiry helps students:
- Develop independent research skills
- Make connections between different concepts and subjects
- Consider multiple perspectives
- Use evidence to support their ideas
- Think creatively and divergently
Examples of open-ended inquiry activities in IB learning and teaching:
Brainstorming sessions:
Students generate questions, wonderings, and ideas around a central concept or global issue.
Independent or group research projects:
Learners work from an open research question, investigate multiple sources, and critically analyze information.
Debates and Socratic seminars:
Students debate a complex issue, explore different viewpoints, and refine their thinking through dialogue.
Open-ended problem solving:
Students are given a broad problem with no single “right” answer and must use data, evidence, and reasoning to propose solutions.
Role-play and simulations:
Learners take on different roles (scientists, policymakers, community members) and act out scenarios to understand issues from various perspectives.
4. The Guided Inquiry Approach
The Guided Inquiry Approach (GIA) is a research-based instructional model that blends structure with student choice. It is especially effective in IB PYP and MYP units of inquiry where teachers want students to explore deeply, but still need to scaffold the process.In Guided Inquiry:
- Teachers frame an engaging central idea, key concepts, and essential questions.
- Students pose sub-questions, explore topics, and make connections between ideas.
- Teachers act as facilitators, providing resources, feedback, and checkpoints.
- Questions are revisited and refined to deepen understanding throughout the inquiry cycle.
- This approach encourages curiosity while providing enough support so that all learners can succeed.
Examples of Guided Inquiry activities:
- Case studies: Students analyze a detailed real-world scenario, generate questions, investigate, and propose responses or solutions.
- Structured problem-solving tasks: Learners work in teams to solve a defined problem using a teacher-provided process or framework.
- Simulations and role-plays: Students act out complex situations (e.g., UN summit, community council meeting) with guiding prompts and reflection tasks.
- Guided debates: The teacher provides curated resources and guiding questions; students prepare arguments and reflect on different viewpoints.
- Through Guided Inquiry, students actively engage in learning while building confidence in research, collaboration, and reflective thinking. You can read more about structuring this process in Guided Inquiry in IB classrooms
Bringing the Four Inquiry Approaches Together
In effective IB inquiry-based classrooms, teachers often blend these four approaches:- Start with Structured Inquiry to build skills and routines
- Use Guided Inquiry to support deeper, conceptual understanding
- Introduce Problem-Based Inquiry to tackle authentic, real-world issues
- Offer Open-Ended Inquiry to empower independence and passion projects
By intentionally combining these models, educators create a rich, student-centered environment where learners think critically, inquire deeply, and develop the competencies needed for a complex world.
