Inquiry takes many forms across the disciplines and can be defined as an approach to learning that involves the investigation of formulated questions. While we expect to see some form of the “inquiry” process in most academic courses, many of which culminate in essay assignments, how might inquiry be used to frame an entire degree program? As we rethink information literacy development within the pillars of threshold concepts, a multi-year approach rooted in the traditions of inquiry-based learning seems appropriate. It builds upon the existing inquiry focus in K-12 schools and makes goals for the development of research skills explicit. Use of a Researcher Skill Development Framework to conceptualize the growth and support for beginning inquiry skills as they develop into more advanced, independent research skills can help us envisage and act on this transformation. Join us to map pathways for enabling this development over an undergraduate degree.
Outcomes:
– Share research on the impact of inquiry-based learning.
– Discuss inquiry as a transformative approach for library educators.
– Describe a research skills framework to support inquiry over multiple years.
