Inquiry and Problem Solving

The What

Inquiry and problem solving refer to an array of learner-centered processes that facilitate deep engagement with a question or problem and strategies to develop subsequent solutions and explanations.

With any approach to inquiry and problem-solving, students follow a series of phases or specific discipline-based practices to take them through an intentional process. These phases or practices are not necessarily completed in a linear or lock-step manner, but provide some structure for students to address a question, issue, problem, or need.

Common elements of inquiry and problem-solving include:

  • Asking questions or defining problems
  • Exploring solutions or explanations
  • Analyzing or testing solutions or explanations
  • Communicating or taking action on solutions or explanations

The elements are most effective when applied in an iterative cycle, so that students have the opportunity to revise their solutions and explanations based on utility, analysis, and feedback. Here's how different sets of discipline-based practices and inquiry models can align to the four common elements of inquiry.

Graphic: Common elements of inquiry and problem-solving include: Asking questions or defining problems Exploring solutions or explanations Analyzing or testing solutions or explanations Communicating or taking action on solutions or explanations .

Inquiry Elements

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Standards for Mathematical Practice

Inquiry Arc

Design Thinking

Asking questions or defining problems

Asking questions and defining problems

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

Developing questions and planning inquiries

Empathize with users

Define the problem

Exploring solutions or explanations

Planning and carrying out investigations

Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them

Developing questions and planning inquiries

Ideate potential solutions

Prototype solutions

Analyzing or testing solutions or explanations

Developing and using models

Analyzing and interpreting data

Using mathematics and computational thinking

Constructing explanations and designing solutions

Model with mathematics

Reason abstractly and quantitatively

Use appropriate tools strategically

Attend to precision

Look for and make sense of structure

Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Applying disciplinary concepts and tools

Evaluating sources and using evidence

Test solutions

Communicating or taking action on solutions or explanations

Engaging in argument from evidence

Obtaining, evaluating and communicating information

Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others

Communicating conclusions and taking informed action

Implementation of solution

The Why

Inquiry and problem-solving opportunities encourage students to engage with relevant concepts and skills within authentic, real-world contexts. Research suggests that combining real-world application with sustained participation in inquiry and problem solving experiences can lead to increased student engagement and support deeper learning of concepts and skills. Additionally, opportunities for inquiry and problem solving can help students develop:

  • Professional skills - e.g. communication, professionalism, collaboration, and empathy;
  • Innovative mindsets - e.g. creative, ‘out of the box’ thinking; and
  • Metacognition - e.g. self-regulation and self-monitoring of their learning progress

Developing these skills prepares students for college, career, and community success, and help students meet the HIDOE general learner outcomes. To further examine the benefits of inquiry-based learning, see the following resources:

The How

Inquiry-Based Models

Students can engage in deep learning of concepts and skills through a variety of inquiry-based models, including: instructional approaches, instructional sequences, and/or design processes.

  • Instructional approaches - models of inquiry that are designated by essential features more so than one consensus sequence of events
  • Instructional sequences - models of inquiry that have a specific sequence of events based on learning theory or practices of a discipline
  • Design processes - models of design based on an iterative process of prototyping and testing to develop a final product

Examples of inquiry-based models, their essential features and ideas for getting started with them are presented below:

Instructional Approaches

Instructional Sequences

Design Processes

Considerations for Implementing Inquiry-Based Learning

Whatever process or model is chosen to engage students in inquiry and problem-solving, it is important to consider different approaches to structured vs open inquiry. For many students and at earlier grade levels, a scaffolded approach is ideal when students first encounter an inquiry investigation. Considering a variety of scaffolding and differentiation approaches will ensure that students’ different learning needs are addressed. Over time, with more practice, the teacher can gradually release decision-making and control to the students. It is also helpful for the teacher to consider the types of questions they will ask students to support their inquiry process.

Lesson and Activity Resources

The following sites showcase examples of learning experiences that are inquiry- and problem-based.

All Content Areas

Visible Thinking: A site with a variety of thinking routines that can be used to scaffold students’ inquiry and problem solving skills.

Design Thinking: Resources for facilitating design thinking with students curated by Hawai‘i educators.

Mathematics

Making Sense of Problems: A site with examples of classroom practice of the standards for mathematical practice, including, “Making sense of problems and persevere in solving them.”

STEM

Hawai‘i educators developed inquiry-based STEM Units that align to the FAIR features of STEM learning experiences.


Social Studies

C3 Hawai‘i Hub: Provides inquiry lessons for social studies developed by Hawai‘i educators using the inquiry design model.

Science: GRC Lessons

Provides inquiry lessons for science developed by Hawai‘i and other U.S. educators using the Gather - Reason - Communicate Approach and 5E instructional sequence.