What are the core actions in inquiry-based learning?

• A. Memorize facts and regurgitate
• B. Strictly follow teacher instructions
• C. Discuss and reflect only after tests
• D. Ask, investigate, create, discuss, reflect

Answer: (D)

The core idea here is that inquiry-based learning centers on active, student-driven inquiry: asking questions, investigating, creating, discussing, and reflecting. This sequence guides learners from curiosity to understanding by engaging them in authentic tasks and decisions about their own learning. Asking questions identifies what to explore, investigating gathers experiences or evidence, creating produces a tangible demonstration of understanding, discussing shares and builds ideas through collaboration, and reflecting strengthens metacognition and informs future inquiries. Together, these actions create a cycle that fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, rather than just recalling information. For example, in a science task, students might question what affects plant growth, carry out experiments, build a simple model or report, discuss results with peers, and reflect on the methods and conclusions drawn. The other approaches rely on passive memorization, following directions without exploration, or delaying discussion and reflection, which don’t support the active, iterative process that inquiry-based learning emphasizes.