Enquiry-Based Approach in Geography for Year 10
Discussion Questions
Here’s a list of six questions designed to facilitate enquiry-based learning and discussion in a Year 10 Geography class, following the Eduqas Geography A specification.
1. What are the benefits of an enquiry-based approach to learning Geography?
- Critical Thinking: How does enquiry-based learning encourage students to develop critical thinking skills?
- Engagement: In what ways does this approach increase student engagement and motivation?
- Real-World Relevance: How does learning through enquiry relate to contemporary geographical issues?
- Skill Development: What specific skills do students develop through enquiry-based learning in Geography?
2. How can geographical inquiry foster a deeper understanding of sustainability?
- Defining Sustainability: What does sustainability mean in geographical terms?
- Case Studies: What case studies (e.g., local or global) can illustrate the importance of sustainable practices?
- Actionable Solutions: How can students identify and propose actionable solutions to sustainability challenges?
- Interdisciplinary Connections: How does enquiry into sustainability connect with other subjects, like Biology or Economics?
3. How can we formulate effective enquiry questions in Geography?
- Characteristics of Good Questions: What makes a question effective in guiding geographical enquiry?
- Examples: Can students give examples of both effective and ineffective enquiry questions related to a geographical topic?
- Complexity Levels: How should the complexity of questions be adjusted according to the students’ understanding?
- Research Methods: What methods can be used to investigate the answers to these questions?
4. What role does fieldwork play in geographical enquiries?
- Definition of Fieldwork: How does fieldwork differ from traditional classroom learning?
- Practical Skills: What practical skills can students develop through fieldwork activities?
- Data Collection: What types of data can students collect during fieldwork (qualitative vs quantitative)?
- Reflection and Evaluation: How should students reflect on their fieldwork experiences to enhance their geographical understanding?
5. How can technology enhance enquiry-based learning in Geography?
- Online Resources: What online tools and resources can students use to aid their enquiries?
- Data Analysis: How can GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and other technologies facilitate data analysis?
- Collaboration Tools: What platforms or tools can students use for collaborative enquiry projects?
- Digital Literacy: How does the use of technology help develop digital literacy skills alongside geographical knowledge?
6. How can we evaluate the impact of our geographical enquiries?
- Assessment Criteria: What criteria can be used to assess the success of a geographical enquiry project?
- Feedback Mechanisms: How can peer and self-assessment play a role in evaluating geographical enquiries?
- Reflective Practice: Why is reflective practice important after completing an enquiry project?
- Continuous Improvement: How can students use insights gained from one enquiry to improve their approach in future projects?
These questions and discussion points aim to encourage students to engage actively with the subject matter, fostering critical thinking and deeper learning through enquiry in geography.