An inquiry approach to learning advocates mindful pursuits that focus on genuine understanding. Inquiry learning features problem solving in authentic settings, collaboration among students, classrooms, scientists, and the community. TERC's research and professional experience are grounded in the theory that robust learning and genuine understanding are achieved only when students are active and thoughtful participants in their learning. We believe that learning is ongoing, challenging mental work, requiring discipline, motivation, and engagement. This inquiry approach is at the heart of the curricular and pedagogical reforms TERC supports.
Technology can be an enabler of inquiry.
It is a tool that helps teachers and students learn to be learners, thus offering the potential to combine the inquiry skills and the technical capabilities that the future demands. A recently released report 3 from the Educational Testing Service provides statistical evidence of performance improvements in learning when technology is used effectively to engage higher order thinking skills. Over the years TERC has made a unique contribution to education in seeing the opportunities afforded by technologies for creating engaging learning environments. We have found that the computer is a professional tool that gives classrooms entirely new capabilities. With computers students can tackle complex problems, collaborate across the limiting boundaries of school walls, and engage experts efficiently.