One World International School has earned a reputation for being an international school that promotes an inquiry-based approach to education. For students aged 3 to 18, the teachers encourage scientific inquiry and thinking in the classroom.
They motivate students to think critically and creatively, to test their theories out, and subsequently develop their own conclusions.
Scientific inquiry is the process of encouraging students to apply the scientific method to all of their lessons. At OWIS, students have the opportunities to observe, ask questions and engage in discussion.
After discussing their observations with their peers and their teachers, they form a theory and utilize the resources available to test those theories.
Let’s look at how scientific inquiry helps students create meaningful connections to the material they are learning!
What Does Scientific Inquiry in the Classroom Mean?
Scientific inquiry is a concept that is introduced in early childhood, primary and secondary classrooms. In addition to teaching students that scientific inquiry is a process used by scientists to study the natural world, the teachers at OWIS provide students with plenty of opportunities to use scientific inquiry themselves!
Whether they are working on a science-based lesson or studying another subject entirely, OWIS teachers provide students with assignments that require them to observe, ask questions, create theories, test theories, and record results.
The Importance of Making Connections to the Concept
Rather than having students memorize definitions or reiterate facts, teachers at OWIS focus on helping their students make important connections to the concept they are studying.
This learning process allows them to retain concepts that last well beyond any fact or definition that they memorize. It allows for long-term learning that can be applied in many real-world scenarios.
How does OWIS Promote Scientific Thinking and Inquiry?
Here are 3 ways OWIS promote scientific thinking and inquiry :
1) By encouraging students to delve into concepts and be inquisitive.
Students are encouraged not to take all information at face value and should ask questions that others may not ask. Additionally, in order to master communication and critical-thinking skills, students will learn how to voice their opinions respectfully if they have a different point of view.
2) By providing access to resources to help students with their scientific research.
The school has state-of-the-art technology available to them, which allows for endless learning possibilities.
3) By allowing students to participate in hands-on experiments.
These experiments will enable them to see science in action, and these experiential learning opportunities give them a chance to utilize the scientific inquiry method they have been studying. Through experimentation, they form deeper connections to the subject they are studying.
The IB Curriculum and Inquiry-Based Learning
The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is a rigorous academic curriculum that is recognized worldwide as one of the best programmes for primary and secondary school students.
The inquiry-based approach which is a core part of IB schools allows students to master the content taught as part of the curriculum, understand concepts deeply, collaborate with their peers, and gives them the tools they need to succeed in a global environment.
The IB Diploma Programme and Scientific Inquiry
Students who opt for the IB Diploma Programme for secondary school will find that they are required to use scientific inquiry frequently throughout their coursework. This is also a requirement in many university programmes, especially in science, engineering, and biotechnology subjects.
When students have been using scientific inquiry and thinking for the majority of their school years, this process comes quite naturally to them. They adapt well to using the scientific inquiry method for their research and other studies.
Benefits of Selecting a School that Promotes Scientific Inquiry
Scientific inquiry is not something that can be taught in a day. Students who want to be accepted to premier universities or who want to excel in their careers will need to practice scientific inquiry throughout their educational experience.
By attending a school like OWIS that incorporates scientific inquiry into every level of learning, your child will be uniquely prepared for life in university and the field of their choosing.
For far too long, schools have focused on knowledge-based curriculum programmes that encourage students to memorise facts rather than develop higher-level connections to the content they are studying.
Students today will be entering a competitive global economy in which they will be required to come up with innovative solutions to modern challenges.
Selecting an excellent secondary school programme, such as the one at OWIS with its IB Diploma programme, can help your child prepare for success.
To learn more about scientific inquiry, the curriculum, and learning programmes at OWIS, contact them today or set up a virtual school tour with them!
Facebook