Course Design Template
The Transitioning to Inquiry‑Based Teaching
This course equips classroom teachers with the instructional skills required to transition from traditional teaching approaches to Inquiry‑Based Teaching (IBT). It focuses on learner‑centered pedagogy, curriculum planning, differentiation, assessment strategies, and supporting learners with diverse needs. Teachers learn how to design inquiry‑driven lessons, facilitate active learning, and apply modern teaching approaches that improve learner engagement and achievement.
6–8
Weeks
6
Modules
40–60
Hours
03
Course Rationale / Justification
Many teachers struggle to shift from teacher\u2011centered delivery to learner\u2011centered inquiry approaches. This course addresses these gaps by providing practical, classroom\u2011ready strategies aligned with modern pedagogy and competency\u2011based learning expectations.
Limited knowledge of inquiry‑based pedagogy
Difficulty differentiating instruction
Insufficient skills in curriculum planning and assessment
Limited strategies for supporting learners with disabilities
04
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles and benefits of Inquiry‑Based Teaching.
- Apply learner‑centered approaches to teaching and learning.
- Identify and support learners with diverse learning disabilities.
- Develop effective schemes of work and curriculum plans.
- Differentiate instruction to meet varied learner needs.
- Use assessment strategies that support inquiry and active learning.
- Facilitate inquiry‑driven classroom activities that promote critical thinking.
05
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Design inquiry‑based lessons that promote exploration and discovery.
- Implement learner‑centered teaching strategies effectively.
- Identify learning disabilities and apply appropriate support strategies.
- Create curriculum plans and schemes of work aligned with inquiry pedagogy.
- Differentiate learning tasks, materials, and assessments.
- Use formative and summative assessment strategies to support inquiry learning.
- Facilitate collaborative, reflective, and interactive classroom environments.
06
Course Competencies
01Inquiry‑based instructional competency
02Learner differentiation skills
03Curriculum planning and design
04Assessment literacy
05Classroom facilitation and learner engagement
06Inclusive teaching practices
07Reflective teaching and professional growth
07
Target Audience & Entry Requirements
Target Audience
- Primary and secondary school teachers
- Teacher educators
- Instructional coaches
- Curriculum support officers
Entry Requirements
- Basic teaching qualification
- Access to a digital device for online learning
- Ability to participate in interactive online sessions
08
Course Duration & Workload
6–8 weeks
Duration
40–60 hrs
Total workload
Blended
Video, tasks, collaboration & assessment
09
Course Topics & Subtopics
Six modules chart the journey from foundational pedagogy to confident classroom facilitation. Select a module to reveal its lessons.
- Traditional vs. modern pedagogy
- Principles of Inquiry-Based Teaching
- Learner-centered instruction
- Active learning strategies
- Types of learning disabilities
- Identifying learner needs
- Classroom support strategies
- Inclusive teaching practices
- Curriculum interpretation
- Designing inquiry-aligned schemes of work
- Lesson planning for inquiry
- Integrating competencies and learning outcomes
- Differentiation by content, process, product
- Flexible grouping
- Scaffolding strategies
- Differentiated assessment
- Formative assessment techniques
- Summative assessment aligned with inquiry
- Questioning strategies
- Performance tasks and projects
- Creating inquiry-rich environments
- Guiding learner exploration
- Managing group work and collaboration
- Reflection and metacognition
10
Teaching & Learning Strategies
Interactive lecturesDemonstrations of inquiry techniquesCase studies from real classroomsGroup work and collaborative tasksMicro‑teaching sessionsPractical classroom simulationsReflective practice journalsMentorship and guided feedback
12
Course Activities
Inquiry‑based lesson designCurriculum planning exercisesDifferentiation tasksPeer collaboration and group discussionsMicro‑teaching demonstrationsReflective journalsSimulated classroom facilitation
11
Learning Resources
Inquiry‑based teaching guidesCurriculum documentsDigital tools for lesson planningVideos and demonstration lessonsLMS materials and downloadable templatesReadings on learning disabilities and differentiation
13
Course Assessment
Assessment Components
- Continuous Assessment Tasks (CATs)
- Lesson planning assignments
- Differentiation project
- Inquiry‑based teaching demonstration
- Final portfolio of evidence
- Online quizzes
14
Assessment Criteria / Rubrics
Rubric Dimensions
- Alignment with inquiry principles
- Quality of lesson design and schemes of work
- Effectiveness of differentiation strategies
- Accuracy and relevance of assessment methods
- Professional reflection and growth
- Completeness of portfolio
15
Course Policies
Expectations
- Minimum 75% participation
- Timely submission of assignments
- Academic integrity
- Respectful collaboration and communication
16
Certification Requirements
Participants must:
- Complete all modules
- Submit all assignments
- Pass CATs and final portfolio
- Demonstrate competency in inquiry‑based teaching
17
Evaluation of the Course
Evaluation Methods
- Learner feedback surveys
- Instructor reflection reports
- Analysis of learner performance
- Recommendations for improvement
18
Course Schedule / Weekly Plan
| Week | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Approaches to Teaching & Learning |
| Week 2 | Learning Disabilities |
| Week 3 | Curriculum Planning & Schemes of Work |
| Week 4 | Differentiation of Learners |
| Week 5 | Assessment Strategies |
| Week 6 | Facilitating Inquiry |
| Week 7–8 | Portfolio development & final evaluation |
19
Support & Mentorship Structure
- Dedicated course tutor
- Weekly virtual office hours
- Peer learning groups
- Feedback cycles for lesson plans and micro‑teaching
- Mentorship for portfolio development
20
Professional Pathways
Completion of this course supports advancement across a range of professional roles.
Classroom teaching excellence
Instructional coaching roles
Curriculum support positions
Teacher educator roles
Advanced training in inquiry‑based pedagogy
Leadership roles in school‑based professional development
Ready to begin the TIBT Course?
Enroll to unlock all six modules, quizzes, CATs, and your pathway to certification.