• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
​
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Inquiry Based Learning

Inquiry Based Learning Courses

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.

Popular Inquiry Based Learning Courses and Certifications


  • cplus logo

    Ends soon! Gain skills with 40% off Coursera Plus

    Save 40% for 3 months
  • T

    The Museum of Modern Art

    Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes

    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

    4.8 stars, 2.1K reviews, Intermediate, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (2.1K) · Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Michigan

    Transforming Education in an Interconnected World

    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

    4.8 stars, 76 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (76) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • T

    The Museum of Modern Art

    Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom

    Skills you'll gain: Education and Training, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Interactive Learning, Art History, Pedagogy, Student-Centred Learning, Creative Thinking, Design Thinking, Journals

    4.8 stars, 539 reviews, Intermediate, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.8 (539) · Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy

    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

    4.8 stars, 428 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (428) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • C

    Coursera

    Increase Reading Comprehension with Actively Learn

    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

    4.4 stars, 156 reviews, Beginner, Guided Project, Less Than 2 Hours

    ★ 4.4 (156) · Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

    Category: Free
    Free

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • T

    The University of Tokyo

    Interactive Teaching(インタラクティブ・ティーチング)

    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

    4.9 stars, 57 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.9 (57) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: Preview
    Preview
  • P

    Pearson

    Critical Thinking Skills

    Skills you'll gain: Critical Thinking, Literacy, Writing, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Visual Storytelling, Research, Analytical Skills, Persuasive Communication, Appeals

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • M

    Macquarie University

    Online Learning Design for Educators

    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

    4.8 stars, 435 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.8 (435) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations

    Skills you'll gain: Teaching, Education Software and Technology, Design Reviews, Mathematics Education, Education and Training, Instructional Strategies, Digital pedagogy, Simulations, Interactive Learning, Simulation and Simulation Software, Prompt Patterns, Learning Management Systems, Differentiated Instruction, Pedagogy, Blended Learning, Curriculum Planning, Educational Materials, Decision Making, Physics, Chemistry

    4.9 stars, 154 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.9 (154) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • P

    Politecnico di Milano

    Smart Teaching and Learning with AI

    Skills you'll gain: Blended Learning, Pedagogy, Large Language Modeling, Teaching, Digital pedagogy, LLM Application, Instructional Design, Instructional and Curriculum Design, Student Engagement, Learning Strategies, Education Software and Technology, Interactive Learning, Lesson Planning, Educational Materials, AI Personalization, Innovation, Student-Centred Learning, Curriculum Planning, Differentiated Instruction, Artificial Intelligence

    4.9 stars, 899 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 3 - 6 Months

    ★ 4.9 (899) · Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • U

    University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

    Digital Literacy & Trauma Informed Instruction for Educators

    Skills you'll gain: Differentiated Instruction, Teaching, Literacy, Working With Children, Human Learning, Pedagogy, Health Equity, Education and Training, Learning Styles, Instructional Strategies, Trauma Care, Instructional Design, Higher Education, K-12 pedagogy, Learning Theory, Disabilities, Classroom Management, Cultural Diversity, Childhood Education and Development, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives

    4.7 stars, 332 reviews, Beginner, Specialization, 1 - 3 Months

    ★ 4.7 (332) · Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

    Category: New
    New
    Status: Free trial
    Free trial
  • V

    Vanderbilt University

    Innovative Teaching with ChatGPT

    Skills you'll gain: ChatGPT, Creative Problem-Solving, AI Personalization, Innovation, Brainstorming, Game Design, Education Software and Technology, AI powered creativity, Student Engagement, Problem Solving, Prompt Engineering, Generative AI

    4.8 stars, 694 reviews, Beginner, Course, 1 - 4 Weeks

    ★ 4.8 (694) · Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

    Status: Free trial
    Free trial

What brings you to Coursera today?

1234…834

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular inquiry based learning courses

  • Teaching with Art: Using Inquiry, Activities, and Themes: The Museum of Modern Art
  • Transforming Education in an Interconnected World: University of Michigan
  • Art & Inquiry: Museum Teaching Strategies For Your Classroom: The Museum of Modern Art
  • New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
  • Increase Reading Comprehension with Actively Learn: Coursera
  • Interactive Teaching(インタラクティブ・ティーチング): The University of Tokyo
  • Critical Thinking Skills: Pearson
  • Online Learning Design for Educators: Macquarie University
  • Active Learning in STEM with PhET Interactive Simulations: University of Colorado Boulder
  • Smart Teaching and Learning with AI: Politecnico di Milano

Skills you can learn in Leadership And Management

Leadership (53)
Project Management (30)
Plan (25)
Planning (24)
Modeling (17)
Analytics (16)
Human Resources (16)
Decision-making (15)
Change Management (14)
Innovation (14)
Negotiation (14)
Human Resource Management (13)

Frequently Asked Questions about Inquiry Based Learning

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:

  1. Preview the first module of many inquiry based learning courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

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.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Accounting
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Project Management
  • Python
  • SQL

Professional Certificates

  • Google AI Certificate
  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM AI Engineering Certificate
  • IBM AI Product Manager Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Certificate

Courses & Specializations

  • AI Essentials Specialization
  • AI For Business Specialization
  • AI For Everyone Course
  • AI in Healthcare Specialization
  • Deep Learning Specialization
  • Excel Skills for Business Specialization
  • Financial Markets Course
  • Machine Learning Specialization
  • Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT Course
  • Python for Everybody Specialization

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • CAPM Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA A+ Certification Requirements
  • CompTIA Security+ Certification Requirements
  • Essential IT Certifications
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • PMP Certification Requirements
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Udemy

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
© 2026 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok