Traditional classrooms tend to be closed systems where information is filtered through layers to students. In general, the use of resources is limited to what is available in the classroom or within the school. Use of technology is focused on learning about the technology rather than its application to enhanced learning. Lesson plans are used to organize the various steps in the learning process for the whole-class approach. The system is more student centered, with the teacher as a facilitator of learning.
Students are more involved in the construction of knowledge through active involvement.
The more interested and engaged students are by a subject or project, the easier it will be for them to construct in-depth knowledge of it. Learning becomes almost effortless when something fascinates students and reflects their interests and goals. Part 1 of 2 Part 2 of 2 Tim O'Keefe of the Center for Inquiry elementary school in Columbia, South Carolina, uses a hands-on, inquiry approach to excite his students about a botany unit. Assessment is focused on determining the progress of skills development in addition to content understanding. Inquiry classrooms are open systems where students are encouraged to search and make use of resources beyond the classroom and the school.