The Pattern Design And Applied Research Of Activity-based Inquiry Learning

Inquiry Learning receives extensive attention in educational reform, because it represents a new way of learning. This paper introduces the view of learning activities to the pattern design of inquiry learning, and puts forward the theory of activity-based inquiry learning, then makes the basic unit in instructional design of inquiry learning to be identified as specific learning activities. According to the consensus about learning activities in learning design theory, this paper proposes two assumptions of inquiry learning based on learning activities which are as follows:â‘ Inquiry learning by using learning activities as a carrier, including class / group discussing, problems solving, role playing etc., could make learners learn through participating in activities, so that its result may be better than that of the way of teaching by teachers only.â‘¡If learning activities in inquiry learning is sorted and structured in accordance with the time line of different instructional activities and the logical sequence of all kinds of teaching content, it can form a sequence of learning activities that promotes effective learning.This paper adopts rational thinking and positivistic studying as two basic researching methods to verify two above-mentioned assumptions of inquiry learning based on learning activities, and completes the theoretical design and applied research for the pattern of activities-based inquiry learning. The main points of this paper are summarized as follows.i. Make an investigation of the development situation of inquiry learning based on learning activities, by surveying college students and interviewing teachers in the university.ii. Analyze the basic elements of the pattern design of activity-based inquiry learning. There are major elements, such as the identification of teachers' and students' role, the choice of learning instruments, supporting or monitoring the learning process and evaluating learners' achievement. These elements play a crucial role in the ultimate learning result of inquiry learning based on learning activities.iii. Design the pattern of activity-based inquiry learning, and carry out the design of specific cases in accordance with the mode. This paper designs integrated mode of learning activities and resources and analyzes the general and the specific process of inquiry learning based on learning activities in detail.iv. By using the platform supporting instruments -- learning activities management system (LAMS), develop the experimental application of inquiry learning based on learning activities. On the basis of analyzing experimental results and investigating effectiveness of the application, further improves the mode of activity-based inquiry learning which is initially constructed, thereby summarizes the general pattern of inquiry learning based on learning activities.