Promoting inquiry at home



Student inquiry is one of the essential elements of the PYP (Primary Years Program). Inquiry is an approach to learning that involves investigation, reflection, examination and research. Inquiry-based teaching and learning lets students make decisions on what they would like to learn about a particular topic or concept and gets students to ask questions rather than absorb facts. In the IB, inquiry-based teaching and learning are imperative to developing a self-motivated student (student agency).  

Personal inquiries allow students to focus on their own interests. Personal inquiries are designed to motivate students and help them become passionate about a topic or idea. Personal inquiries help students in developing a deep level of knowledge and can even inspire students to take action. 

Parents and guardians can help promote personal inquiries at home. Listed below are a few ideas to get the inquiry cycle off the ground at home.  

• Explore ideas your child has 

• Listen and question for clarification and deeper understanding of their needs 

• Help your child create goals and prioritise their goals 

• Establish timelines and schedules 

• Search for resources  

• Designate check-in times to see how your child is progressing toward the goals they set

 • Share your own inquiries 

• Plan and carry out action (Write a letter, help a friend, volunteer) 

• Celebrate daily achievements and learning  

Have you ever asked your student how their day went and receive a bland response such as “fine” or  “good?” Asking specific questions can help you inquire more into what your student is learning and doing in school. Talking with your child about their day and their experiences is one way to start promoting inquiry at home. Try a few of the questions below to keep the conversation going.

 Try a few of the questions below to keep the conversation going.  

• What did you learn today that made you want to keep finding out more? 

• What don’t you understand yet? 

• What new questions do you have now? 

• Have your ideas or thinking changed? Why? 

• What different opinions/views are there on this subject? What is your opinion and why? 

• Can you explain your learning in different ways? 

• How does your learning connect to the world? Or the community? 

• What do you want to learn more about? 

• What can you already do? 

• What will you work on next? 

• What can I do to help you become a more effective learner? 


The links below will provide you with more  information about the IB philosophy About the IB,  FAQS about the PYP Programme, PYP Playlist, Parent Guide to Personal Inquiries in the PYP.

Saima Asif 
PYP Coordinator
s.asif@intsch.se




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