當今社會，越來越多的工作機會需要應聘者具備創新性思考能力、從不同角度解決問題的能力以及批判性思維。為了讓學習者能夠充分適應并且參與到充滿競爭性的工作環境中去，教室里的教學方法迫切需要改變。
Many of today’s job opportunities require workers to think outside of the box and problem-solve from different angles, and critical thinking. In order to provide the learners of today with the tools to participate fully in this challenging workforce, the understandings of teaching methodology in the classroom must be changed.
杜威曾在《經驗與教育》（1938）第四頁中描述傳統的教育計劃在實質上是自上自外注入的計劃，他把承認的標準、教料及方法，加諸這些正在生長的兒童。與傳統的教育計劃相反，杜威倡導教育者尊重并且承認兒童在學習以及建構知識上的積極主動性。根據杜威的啟示，單一的教學方法需要轉換為互動型的可以促進兒童積極參與社會競爭的學習方法。
John Dewey in Education and Experience (1938)described this rote process of learning as “static”, referring to traditional education as an “imposition from above and from outside”(p.16). Instead of teachers filling young minds with isolated skills and required subject matter, Dewey advocated that children should be activity involved in their learning and help co-construct knowledge that has both interest and meaning to them. Based on Dewey’s research, two-way dialogues that prompt active participation is highly recommended.
探究式學習是一個很值得推薦的選擇。我們中加幼兒園正在采用這一先進教學方式。
Our Pedagogical method in SCCS Preschool is Inquiry-Based Learning.
那么，什么是探究式學習呢？探究式學習的好處在哪里？我們中加幼兒園是如何在一日學習日程中進行探究式學習的呢？
So, what is Inquiry-Based Learning? What are the benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning and how our SCCS preschool apply Inquiry-Based Learning into daily schedule?
根據維基百科，探究式學習開始于學生通過獨立自主地發現問題或創設情境，而非老師簡單地陳述事實、灌輸知識。它是一種積極的學習過程。學生通過識別和研究問題，來學習知識或獲得解決方案。探究式學習包括基于問題的學習，通常用于小規模的調查和項目以及研究。 探究式學習主要與思維技能的發展和實踐密切相關。
According to wikipedia, Inquiry-based learning (also enquiry-based learning in British English) starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios—rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge. The process is often assisted by a facilitator. Inquirers will identify and research issues and questions to develop their knowledge or solutions. Inquiry-based learning includes problem-based learning, and is generally used in small scale investigations and projects, as well as research.The inquiry-based instruction is principally very closely related to the development and practice of thinking skills.
探究式學習要求學生自己承擔起學習的責任，隨之帶來的好處也很多。如：
1.學生可以自己發現問題，變得獨立自主。
2.學生圍繞新的話題一起探討或者獨立研究。
3.學生學習的動機逐步增強。
4.鼓勵批判性思維。
5.學生可互相學習，取長補短。
6.在科學領域，學生可以通過做實驗以及運用各種技術來學習。
Inquiry-Based Learning asks our students to take more responsibility for their own learning can prove to be extremely beneficial for their education. Below is a list of many benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning.
1.Students are able to discover their answers on their own and be more independent.
2.Students work together or individually to learn the new topic.
3.Increase Student’s Motivation to Learn.
4.Encourage Critical Thinking.
5.Gives students the opportunity learn from one another.
6.It is extremely beneficial in science students are able to work through experiments or use technology to learn.
在中加幼兒園，我們和孩子們一起探究的事物數不勝數。例如：孩子們對物體從小到大再從大到小甚至消失的過程很感興趣。這一切起源于一次戶外活動，老師帶著孩子們在戶外玩打泡泡的游戲。
基于孩子對泡泡的興趣，老師們開始提供吹泡泡的學習體驗。根據物體從小到大的過程以及吹的經驗與動作，老師還提供了氣球相關的學習體驗。
“除了用嘴巴吹，用打氣筒打氣能夠讓氣球變大，還有其它的辦法么？”老師們又提供新的探究問題。接著，老師們又提供了白醋、小蘇打、小勺子、空塑料瓶、漏斗、量杯給孩子們。
關于物體從小到大再從大到小甚至消失的探究式學習還沒有結束，它會根據老師準備的各種開放式問題以及孩子們當時當地的興趣、行為和對話的變化而發生改變。
總之，我們可以用以下幾條建議來幫助和支持孩子們的探究性學習：
1.教育者視自己為孩子們的合作者、幫助學生拓寬拓深知識的支持者。而非灌輸或傳遞知識的老師。
2.孩子們擁有時間、空間以及資源來深入地對研究對象進行研究和調查。
3.擁有充足的物料和空間的環境可以幫助孩子們滿足好奇心、求知欲。有趣的物料和資源可以激發他們問問題。同時，我們也要確保他們可以隨時取用物料和資料以輔助他們進一步思考和學習。
4.一日流程中包含孩子們進行思考、調查和探索的時間段。當被給予寬裕的時間，思考和學習會變得更加有效。
5.探究性學習任務可被視為合作型任務。當孩子們與他人合作解決問題時，他們的學習會變得豐富。多聆聽其他人的意見和觀點，可以幫助他們拓寬知識面。通過合作，他們之間的關系也會更緊密。
Inquiry-Based Learning is supported when:
1.Educators see themselves as co-learners, working with children as they learn.
2.Children have the time, space and recourses be become deeply involved in their investigations.
3.The physical environment contains materials and spaces that encourage curiosity, investigation and wonder. Interesting and engaging resources can provide the stimulus for children’s questions and investigations.
4.The daily routine allows children large blocks of uninterrupted time in which to think, investigate and explore. Thinking and learning happen more effectively when they are unhurried.
5.Inquiry is seen as a collaborative task. Children’s learning is enriched when they work with others’ ideas and perspectives helps broaden individual understandings.
