There are many strategies that a teacher can use to help enhance the lesson and to boost student

learning. One of the most effective and important strategies is questioning. Inquiry learning is a very effective method that uses questioning as a vital feature to increase learning. Whether originating from the educator or student questioning is necessary in order to increase comprehension of the lesson. It is crucial that a teacher is skillful in questioning; the ability to do so will lead to a successful outcome.

Questioning promotes critical thinking as well as student participation. The inquiry learning strategy requires a teacher to carefully orchestrate questions in accordance to the lesson content. It is important that a teacher carefully plans questions prior to the lesson and it is also important to remember that the quality of the questions is more effective than a larger quantity. A limited amount of carefully designed questions are more preferable and effective than several useless questions. Research has proven that frequent questioning is what separates effective teacher from non effective teachers (Inquirybased, 2004). In fact teachers that are more effective ask questions three times more than other teachers (Inquiry-based, 2004). Inquiry learning not only allows for better comprehension it is also an effective method in evaluating student progress. When students answer incorrectly to a certain question a teacher knows that the lesson may need to be reviewed. Probing questions following or during a lesson will help the teacher in measuring the students level of comprehension; it is also effective in acquiring feedback from the students. When teachers questions students they also get a chance to assess their instruction method which helps them determine its level of effectiveness. The teacher can use this information to ensure that the needs of each student are being met also to make modifications to the curriculum if needed. By asking and answering questions correctly the students confidence and interest in the lesson will increase, which are extremely important for learning to take place. Appling this strategy following a lesson will promote critical thinking which allows students to process information in a deeper way. Divergent questioning is a good method to achieve this. Divergent questions allow students to explore diverse situations and question the basis of the material.

The classrooms environment plays a major role in the effectiveness of inquiry learning. In order to ask questions students need to feel comfortable and secure in the classroom. It is important that students are encouraged to ask questions and to feel comfortable enough to make mistakes. Because of this every question no matter its value, should be handled and answered in a professional manner. Students should understand that making mistakes is a part of the learning process that be consider embarrassing. Instead, a teacher should create a classroom environment that is nonjudgmental; that allows students to learn from prior mistakes. A teacher should encourage students to ask questions, compare opinions and discuss lessons. When a student is excessively criticized in the classroom their success rate will be negatively affected (Inquiry-based, 2004). When a student is reprimand each time a

wrong answer is supplied they will become discouraged and less willing to participate, which will negatively affect the students progress. This is also a bad reflection on the classrooms management, organization and environment (Inquiry-based, 2004) Instead when a student participates they should be celebrated and encouraged, doing so will create a climate that encourages students to feel comfortable to ask further questions, compare opinions, as well as their knowledge and experiences with each other, which will ultimately enhance everyones learning. Sharing opinions and comparing their thoughts in class allows students to see other perspectives which will lead to the exploration of new ideas. Classroom discussions will help build social and communication skills it will also help emotionally connect the students to the lesson. Inquiry learning is an effective method that can be used in all subjects. There are no time limits or certain time it should be used. Its useful when introducing new lessons it allows students to ask questions that will help them understand. Inquiry learning is also very beneficial for ELL and students with special needs. This essay has provided only a few examples of its effectiveness and the benefits it has on a students learning.

REFERENCES What is inquiry-based learning. (2004). Concept to Classroom. Retrieved on January 17, 2012, from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/inquiry/.