AI Practice for Teacher Candidates: Day 24 — Supporting Inquiry-Based Learning with AI


 

AI Practice for Teacher Candidates: Day 24 — Supporting Inquiry-Based Learning with AI

Welcome to Day 24 of the 100-Day Journey!

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) empowers students to take ownership of their learning by asking big questions, exploring answers, and solving real-world problems. Today, we’ll explore how AI can enhance IBL by guiding research, organizing information, and sparking curiosity.

Why Use AI for Inquiry-Based Learning?

  • Fuels Curiosity: AI can generate questions and ideas to deepen students’ exploration.
  • Organizes Research: Helps students sort through information and find credible sources.
  • Encourages Critical Thinking: AI tools analyze data and present findings in engaging ways.

AI Tools for Inquiry-Based Learning

  1. Question Generation

    • Tool Example: ChatGPT.
    • Use Case: Students input a topic, and AI generates thought-provoking questions to guide their inquiry.

  2. Research Support

    • Tool Example: Google Scholar, Research Rabbit.
    • Use Case: Help students find credible sources and summarize findings.

  3. Data Analysis

    • Tool Example: Google Sheets with AI plugins, Tableau Public.
    • Use Case: Students analyze data sets and create visuals to support their arguments.

  4. Collaborative Platforms

    • Tool Example: Padlet, Miro.
    • Use Case: Facilitate brainstorming and organize ideas during group research projects.

Practical Task: Create an Inquiry-Based Learning Activity

  1. Start with a Big Question

    • Use ChatGPT to generate a list of inquiry questions.
    • Example Prompt: “What are 5 big questions about renewable energy for 7th-grade students to explore?”

  2. Support Research

    • Guide students to use Google Scholar or Research Rabbit to find sources related to their question.

  3. Analyze Data

    • Provide students with a data set or use an AI tool to create one. Ask them to analyze the data and draw conclusions.

  4. Share Findings

    • Have students create an infographic or presentation summarizing their research using Canva or Piktochart.

Reflection Questions

  1. How did AI support students in formulating and answering their inquiry questions?
  2. What challenges did students face, and how did they overcome them with AI tools?
  3. How might you incorporate IBL with AI into your classroom regularly?

Pro Tip: Focus on Real-World Problems

Use IBL to explore topics that resonate with students and have real-world applications, such as climate change, social justice, or technological innovation.

Looking Ahead

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how AI can help students develop time management and organizational skills, setting them up for long-term success.

You’re cultivating curiosity and a love for learning—great work! See you on Day 25! 🔍✨

Labels: