In response to Catriona’s blog post #2: Inquiry Based Learning https://catrionaborys.opened.ca
I personally learn on an inquiry based learning technique. I think that hands on experiences help to keep me engaged and focused while learning. I agree that it is harder to teach younger children with an inquiry based learning technique, but I also think that it can be very beneficial. Yes, they can get side tracked very easily but I think younger children physically dealing with problems visually, helps them stay engaged rather than just listening to the teacher. They may not have the motor skills to predict, experiment, provide information the same an older person would, but I think hands on learning keeps them engaged.
There are definitely pros and cons to teaching in an inquiry based learning depending on age group. But it can also be challenging to categorize each individual because they have different learning techniques. But I do agree that the aspect of predicting, experimenting, analyzing and concluding for hands on learning comes with a challenge when working with younger children.