What does inquiry-based learning primarily encourage in students?

Inquiry-based learning primarily encourages students to ask questions and explore topics, fostering a sense of curiosity and engagement. This approach shifts the focus from traditional, teacher-centered instruction to a student-centered learning experience where learners actively participate in their education. By promoting inquiry, students not only develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also take ownership of their learning process. They learn to formulate their own questions, conduct research, and draw conclusions based on evidence, which deepens their understanding and retention of knowledge.

This contrasts with other approaches that might emphasize passive absorption of information, rote memorization, or strict adherence to instructions, which do not encourage the same level of engagement or critical thinking. Therefore, inquiry-based learning is fundamentally about cultivating an inquisitive mindset and improving learners' abilities to investigate and discover information themselves.