Author: Dr. Anirban Khatua
Abstract: In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern education, the development of critical thinking skills has become an essential objective of teaching and learning processes. Traditional instructional approaches that emphasize memorization and passive learning are increasingly being replaced by learner-centered pedagogies that promote inquiry, exploration, and analytical reasoning. Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) has emerged as one of the most effective pedagogical approaches for fostering critical thinking among students. This research article examines the role of inquiry-based learning in enhancing critical thinking skills in contemporary educational settings. It explores the conceptual foundations of inquiry-based learning, its pedagogical significance, and its impact on students’ cognitive development. The study also discusses various models of inquiry-based learning, the role of teachers in facilitating inquiry-driven classrooms, and the challenges associated with implementing this approach in educational institutions. The findings highlight that inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, analyze information, evaluate evidence, and construct meaningful knowledge through active participation. By promoting curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, inquiry-based learning contributes significantly to the development of critical thinking skills necessary for success in the twenty-first century. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for educational institutions to adopt inquiry-based pedagogies and create learning environments that nurture intellectual curiosity and independent thinking among students.
Keywords: Inquiry-Based Learning, Critical Thinking, Student-Centered Learning, Educational Innovation, Active Learning.
Page No: 193-201