ql-align-justify">One reading approach that I have encountered and would like to learn more about as a future science educator is the inquiry-based approach to reading. This approach focuses on active learning, where students do not only read the text but also ask questions, investigate ideas, and connect the reading to real-life situations. In science education, this approach is very useful because students need to understand concepts, not just memorize definitions. The inquiry-based approach encourages students to think critically while reading, which makes learning more meaningful and effective.

The pedagogy behind the inquiry-based approach is based on the idea that learning happens best when students are actively involved in the process. Instead of the teacher simply explaining the text, students are guided to explore the meaning by themselves. For example, before reading a science article, the teacher may ask students what they already know about the topic and what they want to find out. While reading, students look for answers to their questions, identify important ideas, and discuss them with their classmates. After reading, they may do activities such as experiments, group discussions, or making diagrams to show their understanding. This method uses different modes of learning, which connects to the idea that literacy is not only about reading words but also about understanding meaning through visuals, actions, and discussions.

Using the concepts introduced in this section, this approach shows that reading is a social and interactive process. Students learn better when they talk about the text, share ideas, and relate the reading to their own experiences. This is different from traditional reading programs where students only read silently and answer questions at the end. In the inquiry-based approach, the teacher acts as a guide who helps students think deeper about what they read. For science education, this approach is very helpful because scientific texts often contain difficult terms, diagrams, and explanations. Through inquiry-based reading, students learn how to analyze information, interpret visuals, and connect ideas. This supports the development of modern literacy skills that students need in science and in real life.

References:

Urdanivia Alarcon, D. A., Talavera-Mendoza, F., Rucano Paucar, F. H., Cayani Caceres, K. S., & Machaca Viza, R. (2023). Science and inquiry-based teaching and learning: A systematic review. Frontiers in Education, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1170487

Analyzing the Inquiry-Based Approach to Reading