Inquiry-based learning is at the heart of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). Rather than delivering information directly, teachers guide students to ask questions, investigate, and construct understanding for themselves. This approach builds curiosity, creativity, and confidence — skills essential for lifelong learning.
In the MYP, inquiry drives every aspect of teaching, from unit design to assessment. For educators, mastering this approach means shifting from being the source of knowledge to becoming a facilitator of exploration and reflection.
Quick Start Checklist
- Design learning around conceptual questions, not content lists
- Encourage curiosity through open-ended questioning
- Guide students through cycles of exploration, reflection, and action
- Use formative assessment to steer inquiry
- Foster an environment where risk-taking and mistakes are part of learning
What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?
Inquiry-based learning is a process of exploring ideas through questioning, investigation, and reflection. It empowers students to take ownership of their learning by seeking answers rather than receiving them.
In the MYP, inquiry connects three elements:
- Concepts – the big ideas that guide understanding
- Global contexts – real-world lenses that give meaning to learning
- Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills – tools for research, communication, and reflection
When these components work together, inquiry becomes a powerful engine for deep understanding and engagement.
The Inquiry Cycle in the MYP
Most MYP teachers use an inquiry cycle that includes the following stages:
- Exploring and Wondering: Students pose questions and make predictions.
