UGC NET The Inquiry Training Model

Inquiry training model is used for giving training of inquiry to the student. By using this model in the classroom, inquiry skill can be developed. Development of inquiry skills needs individuals attention. This model was developed by J.R. Suchman. The inquiry may be carried out at the individual level or at a group of the level.

This type of training gives the learners practice of thinking and speaking,

(A) Assumptions:-

All knowledge is tentative. A scientist puts a theory or principle and after some time, it may be pushed aside by a new one. We are always curious and eager to learn new things. In this model, there is more emphasis on self-learning. The student learns better when they participate in any inquiry. New strategies can be taught directly and added to pupils existing once. Ther is no one answer. We can always be more sophisticated in our explanations and most problems hence several possible explanations.

(2) Basic elements:-

Focus

• The inquiry training model has following goals.
• To enhance the thinking ability of the student.
• To enable them to form conclusions based on facts.
• To enable them to have fluency in their thinking and speaking.
• More specialty to impart training of inquiry skills.

Syntax

Syntax means the description of the model in action. The inquiry training model has five phases.
Phase 1:- Encounter with the problem
In this phase, the teacher presents a puzzling situation before the students and explains the inquiry procedures. Its aim is to create new knowledge. The initial inquiry is based on simple ideas.
Phase II:- Data collection and verification
The students here try to collect detailed information about the problem. They try to seek clarifications about the doubts concerning the problem. Teacher virtually prepares the ground for the success of the model. The teacher should have an encouraging attitude. During verification, they can ask a question regarding the object, even property etc.
Phase III:- Data gathering for experimentation
This is a stage when the student actually starts putting questions and the teacher is reacting to their questions by saying yes or no as the case may be. This questioning by the student is continued till they are able to reach the stage where mystery could be solved.
Phase IV:- Formulating an explanation
In this the phase, the teacher will invite the pupils to explain things.
Through explanation, rules may be formulated. The deviation is also checked so that efforts are applied in the right direction and no energy goes waste.
Phase V:- analysis of the inquiry process
In this phase, the students analyze and reflect on the methods they adopted for inquiry. This helps in finding out a suitable solution to the various issues involved i.e the main problem, the right strategy for it etc.

Social system

The social system is an important element of this model. Here both teacher and students play a significant role in teaching learning process. The success of this model depends on mutual cooperation between teacher and the student

Principle of reaction

Ensuring that question are framed so that they can be answered by “yes” or “no”. Following points should be kept in mind:-Asking students to refresh the question.

• Encouraging the students to give a clear statement.
• Neither approving nor rejecting students theories.
• Encouraging interaction among students.
• Using the language of the inquiry process.

Support system

While working with Inquiry Training Model, a teacher requires additional support in the form of

(1) a set of confronting the material

(2) technical understanding of the intellectual process and strategies of inquiry.

(3) Teacher may require resource material related to the problem.

Application

This model is generally used in teaching for scientific subjects. The student learns to analyze the various type of collected information. Any topic from a curriculum area which can be converted into problem situation or puzzle can be selected for inquiry training.

Model Questions 

1. Who developed the Inquiry Training Model?
a) Jean Piaget
b) Jerome Bruner
c) J.R. Suchman
d) Lev Vygotsky

Answer: c) J.R. Suchman

2. What is the main aim of the Inquiry Training Model?
a) To memorize facts
b) To develop inquiry skills
c) To improve handwriting
d) To conduct experiments only

Answer: b) To develop inquiry skills

3. Which of the following is an assumption of the Inquiry Training Model?
a) All knowledge is permanent
b) All knowledge is tentative
c) Knowledge cannot be changed
d) There is always one correct answer

Answer: b) All knowledge is tentative

4. How many phases does the syntax of the Inquiry Training Model include?
a) Three
b) Four
c) Five
d) Six

Answer: c) Five

5. In which phase do students begin asking “Yes/No” type questions?
a) Encounter with the problem
b) Data collection and verification
c) Data gathering for experimentation
d) Analysis of the inquiry process

Answer: c) Data gathering for experimentation

6. Which phase involves reflecting on the methods adopted for inquiry?
a) Formulating an explanation
b) Encounter with the problem
c) Data collection and verification
d) Analysis of the inquiry process

Answer: d) Analysis of the inquiry process

7. The Inquiry Training Model is most commonly applied in teaching:
a) Literature
b) Scientific subjects
c) History
d) Physical education

Answer: b) Scientific subjects

8. What is emphasized in the principle of reaction of the Inquiry Training Model?
a) Approving or rejecting student theories
b) Using “Yes/No” framed questions
c) Providing ready-made solutions
d) Avoiding student interaction

Answer: b) Using “Yes/No” framed questions

9. Which element highlights the importance of cooperation between teacher and students?
a) Support system
b) Social system
c) Application
d) Syntax

Answer: b) Social system

10. Which of the following is NOT a support system requirement for the Inquiry Training Model?
a) Confronting material
b) Technical understanding of inquiry strategies
c) Resource material
d) Ready-made answers to the problem

Answer: d) Ready-made answers to the problem

MSQs

1. Which of the following are assumptions of the Inquiry Training Model?
a) All knowledge is tentative
b) Students learn better when they participate in inquiry
c) There is always one correct answer
d) New strategies can be added to existing knowledge

Answer: a, b, d

2. Which of the following are goals of the Inquiry Training Model?
a) Enhance thinking ability
b) Enable conclusions based on facts
c) Improve fluency in thinking and speaking
d) Encourage memorization of fixed knowledge

Answer: a, b, c

3. Identify the phases of the Inquiry Training Model syntax.
a) Encounter with the problem
b) Data collection and verification
c) Data gathering for experimentation
d) Teacher’s lecture on the solution

Answer: a, b, c

4. The principle of reaction in the Inquiry Training Model emphasizes which of the following?
a) Frame questions that can be answered with “Yes” or “No”
b) Encourage clear student statements
c) Approve or reject student theories immediately
d) Promote interaction among students

Answer: a, b, d

5. Which of the following are part of the support system required for the Inquiry Training Model?
a) Confronting material
b) Technical understanding of inquiry strategies
c) Resource material related to the problem
d) Predetermined answers for inquiry problems

Answer: a, b, c

6. Applications of the Inquiry Training Model include:
a) Teaching scientific subjects
b) Encouraging students to analyze collected information
c) Applying problem-based approaches from curriculum topics
d) Rote memorization of facts

Answer: a, b, c

7. Social system in Inquiry Training Model requires:
a) Cooperation between teacher and students
b) Teacher dominance in providing answers
c) Mutual interaction during inquiry
d) Use of inquiry-oriented language

Answer: a, c, d