Experiential Action Inquiry  - Projects to Investigate the World


In the 21st century learning paradigm, students learn and develop  more deeply, more broadly, and more meaningfully when they construct their knowledge through active problem-solving, creative solution finding, and long-term projects that require effective thinking, communicating and collaborating through real-world, authentic, and career-related projects, labs, & dialogue.

In Finland, with the highest performing students per international PISA assessments, students will soon be engaging in Phenomenon-Based Learning; PhenoBL.  Subject and project-based learning will be a thing of the past.

A key factor in the power of active inquiry-based learning to develop 21st century skills is the group teamwork that is required for solving projects and problems;  in the process of negotiating how and what to do as a group to answer the inquiry question, students must develop their capacities for critical and creativity thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-direction. All of which are vital skills for success in today's more lateral, fluid, innovatively-oriented team-based organizations.  

STEM and STEAM programs are so effective and desirable to students because of this hands-on active learning about the real world phenomenon - applying the core knowledge areas of science, math, technology, acts to engineering and design thinking.

There are over 10 school networks in the Deeper Learning Network schools which lead the way in employing active inquiry projects as their core learning pedagogy. Here are a few we have visited and recommend; 
EL Education
High Tech High  - primary subject of the documentary Most Likely to Succeed
New Tech Network (ECHO platform)
Summit Learning (Personalized Learning Platform)

A "gold standard" teacher coaching program for implementing project-based methodology is offered by the Buck Institute for Education (BIE). 

Learn how Action Inquiry PBL methodology is a key piece of the 21st century student-centered learning paradigm described in this
EIC Future of Education slides.