Student Directed Inquiry provides opportunities for learners to undertake research, solve problems, communicate ideas, and manage their workload and learning in a personalized, authentic, meaningful context.
Through undertaking a transdisciplinary student directed inquiry, learners develop an understanding of: what constitutes quality research; the purpose of an effective inquiry question; and what constitutes an ethical, robust, disciplined and rational approach to gathering, interpreting and evaluating evidence.
Living and learning in the 21st Century demands a new set of skills. Information is being accessed, used and created in new ways. This is creating a heightened need for well-developed 21st Century skills for learning, work and life. Student Directed Inquiry prepares learners for participation in an advanced knowledge economy in which globalisation, collaboration and automation are the norm.*
The skills learners develop in Student Directed Inquiry will be transferable to further education, employment and in living a fulfilling life. The inquiry product may also provide evidence as part of portfolio entry to university.
*Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority: 21st Century Skills For Senior Education (an analysis of educational trends, November 2015).