Inquiry-based learning courses can help you learn critical thinking, problem-solving techniques, research methodologies, and effective questioning strategies. You can build skills in designing experiments, analyzing data, and facilitating discussions that encourage student engagement. Many courses introduce tools like digital platforms for collaborative projects, data visualization software, and assessment frameworks that enhance the inquiry process and support active learning.

The Museum of Modern Art
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Creative Thinking, Creative Problem-Solving, Education and Training, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Instructional Strategies, Liberal Arts, Interactive Learning, Pedagogy, Student-Centred Learning, Cultural Responsiveness, Creativity, Social Justice, Self-Awareness, Curriculum Development, Empathy, Social Impact, Literacy, Learning Strategies, Communication Strategies
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Teaching, Data Collection, Instructional Strategies, Education Software and Technology, Student Engagement, Interactive Learning, Curriculum Planning, Childhood Education and Development, Social Studies
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

Skills you'll gain: Learning Management Systems, Course Development, Content Management, Responsive Web Design, Content Development and Management, Multimedia, Education and Training, Information Architecture, Digital Publishing, Education Software and Technology, Interactive Learning, Training and Development, Digital Content, LESS, System Configuration, Interactive Design, UI Components, Interaction Design, Graphic and Visual Design, Design
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Pedagogy, Formal Learning, Digital pedagogy, Education and Training, Teaching, Human Learning, Adult Education, Higher Education, Instructional Strategies, Diversity Awareness, Cultural Diversity, Lifelong Learning, Curriculum Development, Student-Centred Learning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
The University of Tokyo
Skills you'll gain: Syllabus Development, Interactive Learning, Student Engagement, Teaching, Lesson Planning, Instructing, Pedagogy, Education and Training, Program Evaluation, Instructional Strategies, Course Development, Graphic and Visual Design, Storytelling, Higher Education, Oral Expression
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Instructional and Curriculum Design, Learning Management Systems, Digital pedagogy, Education Software and Technology, Multimedia, Interactive Design, Interactive Learning, Presentations, Graphic and Visual Design, Digital Design, Interaction Design, WordPress, Human Centered Design, Digital Content, Design, Information Architecture, Usability, Content Management Systems, Design Elements And Principles, Application Deployment
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Continuous Improvement Process, Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), Student-Centred Learning, Innovation, Education and Training, Process Improvement, Instructional Strategies, Program Evaluation, International Relations, Initiative and Leadership, Open Mindset, Systems Thinking, Policy Analysis, Leadership, Empowerment, Community Development, Collaboration, World History, Leadership and Management, Critical Thinking
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Multimedia, Learning Management Systems, Course Development, Interactive Learning, Educational Materials, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Interactive Design, Instructional Design, Train The Trainer, No-Code Development, Education Software and Technology, Web Content, Design and Product, Web Design and Development, Data Sharing, Functional Design, Data Import/Export, Content Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Coursera
Skills you'll gain: Exploratory Data Analysis, Correlation Analysis, Business Metrics, Scatter Plots, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Data Analysis, Performance Metric, Performance Analysis, Analytical Skills, Trend Analysis, Statistical Analysis, Business Analysis, Plot (Graphics), Regression Analysis, Quantitative Research, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Methods, Data Visualization, Data Presentation, Statistical Inference
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Unsupervised Learning, Exploratory Data Analysis, Autoencoders, Feature Engineering, Dimensionality Reduction, Supervised Learning, Generative AI, Classification Algorithms, Regression Analysis, Time Series Analysis and Forecasting, Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), Convolutional Neural Networks, Reinforcement Learning, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Generative Model Architectures, Scikit Learn (Machine Learning Library), Deep Learning, Data Science, Machine Learning, Python Programming
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Infographics, Canva (Software), Podcasting, Video Production, Instructional Design, Multimedia, Content Creation, Lesson Planning, Pedagogy, Interactive Learning, Adult Learning Principles, Presentations, Visual Storytelling, Graphic Design, Teaching, Driving engagement, Instructional Strategies, Digital pedagogy, Virtual Environment, AI literacy
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Macquarie University
Skills you'll gain: Interactive Learning, Human Learning, Education and Training, Knowledge Transfer, Student-Centred Learning, Science and Research, Learning Styles, Pedagogy, Instructional Strategies, Learning Strategies, Teaching, School Psychology, Critical Thinking, Instructional Design, Educational Materials, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Curriculum Development, Curriculum Planning
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Inquiry-based learning is an educational approach that emphasizes the role of the learner in the learning process. Instead of passively receiving information, learners actively engage in exploring questions, problems, or scenarios. This method encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, making it essential in today's rapidly changing world. By fostering curiosity and a desire to learn, inquiry-based learning helps individuals develop the skills necessary to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions.
Careers related to inquiry-based learning can vary widely, encompassing roles in education, training, and development. Positions such as instructional designers, educational consultants, and curriculum developers often focus on creating engaging learning experiences. Additionally, roles in corporate training and development, such as training coordinators or facilitators, leverage inquiry-based methods to enhance employee skills. Educators in K-12 and higher education settings also utilize inquiry-based learning to foster student engagement and critical thinking.
To effectively engage in inquiry-based learning, several key skills are beneficial. Critical thinking allows learners to analyze information and draw conclusions. Communication skills are essential for articulating questions and collaborating with others. Additionally, research skills enable individuals to gather and evaluate information from various sources. Creativity and adaptability are also important, as they help learners approach problems from different angles and adjust their strategies as needed.
There are various online courses that focus on inquiry-based learning. For example, the Co-creation and challenge-based learning in Higher Education course explores innovative teaching methods that encourage student engagement. Another option is the Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations Specialization, which incorporates inquiry-based strategies in STEM education. These courses provide valuable insights into implementing inquiry-based learning effectively.
Yes. You can start learning inquiry based learning on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in inquiry based learning, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
Learning inquiry-based learning involves engaging with resources that promote active exploration and critical thinking. Start by enrolling in relevant online courses that focus on inquiry-based methodologies. Participate in discussions, collaborate with peers, and practice applying inquiry-based techniques in real-world scenarios. Additionally, reading books and articles on the subject can deepen your understanding. Reflecting on your learning experiences and seeking feedback can also enhance your skills in this area.
Typical topics covered in inquiry-based learning courses include the principles of inquiry-based education, strategies for fostering student engagement, assessment methods, and the integration of technology in learning. Courses may also explore specific inquiry-based techniques, such as project-based learning and problem-based learning, providing practical examples and case studies to illustrate these concepts in action.
For training and upskilling employees, courses that focus on inquiry-based learning can be particularly beneficial. Programs like the IBM Machine Learning Professional Certificate offer insights into applying inquiry-based methods in technical fields. Additionally, the Sample-based Learning Methods course provides practical approaches to implementing inquiry-based strategies in various contexts, making them suitable for workforce development.