Inquiry Based Learning

Inquiry based learning involves the learner in which the learner seeks knowledge, information or truth through questioning. This is an excellent resource to teach students to communicate and connect to the world they live in. I think that Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) is a great successful technique because the learner generates the questions and the misconceptions. Then the learners investigate and discuss the topic by submitting new questions, approaches and thoughts. After that they reflect based upon the answers provided. Finally, they either reach the solution or new questions that require them to start the cycle again. 
Stephanie and Harvey compare the inquiry approach versus the coverage approach. The inquiry approach is the student’s voice and choice whereas the coverage approach is the teacher’s voice and choice. The inquiry approach involves collaborative work versus solitary work. The inquiry approach involves students’ interaction whereas the coverage approach students are quiet and listening. The outcomes are very crucial. In the inquiry approach the students take action and care, whereas in coverage approach, they forget and move on. (Comprehension & Collaboration: Inquiry Circles in Action by Stephanie Harvey and Harvey Daniels-2009) 
As a future math teacher, I believe that teachers should incorporate IBL approach in their mathematics classroom. This will give the students the opportunity to make connections between the mathematical concepts and real world applications. This will help students remember the problem solving approach for longer periods and it will help them approach the problems using different strategies and approaches. Teachers should think of ways to make a math lesson entertaining and fun. When the math is important, the teacher's role in teaching the task becomes an objective and the student's role in discourse becomes an accomplishment. Neil Stephenson's quote describes IBL: "Classroom tasks that are worthy of students' time and attention, relevant, connected to the world and organized around the "big ideas" of a subject can develop understanding, intellectual interest and engagement with students" (Neil Stephenson-2007).