Inquiry-based learning (also known as, IBL) is a student-centered instructional method that is based on substantially increased student involvement in the learning process. The notion that education begins and develops through the curiosity of the students. One of the most well-known figures in the history of education is Socrates, and he believed that to seek for truth, information, or knowledge you must question. IBL’s principle learning theory is based on constructivism, which is a theory based on observation and scientific study. It says that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world, by experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. In this environment students are encouraged to assess how the activity is helping them gain an understanding, when done correctly IBL will teach students how to learn. This environment engages students and encourages students to participate, so getting students to the board and having the students explaining themselves allows teachers understand what the students are misunderstanding. In the words of Paul Halmos, “The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.” As a child, you always hear that “practice makes perfect,” and within the field of mathematics this idea holds true.
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Teaching Techniques Used in Mathematics 