Dr. Carol C. Kuhlthau & Dr. Ross J. Todd

“To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlarges the sphere of existence” - John Quincy Adams 1846

Constructivist Learning and Guided Inquiry

Guided Inquiry is founded on the belief that learning is a process of personal and social construction. A view of learning as a process of social and personal construction is deeply embedded in the American educational tradition, and has been developed by influential 20th century educational thinkers such as John Dewey (1859-1952), George Kelly (1905-1967), Jerome Brunner (1915 -), Jean Piaget (1896-1980) and Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934).

Constructivist learning gives emphasis to an active search for meaning and understanding by learners:

• learners construct deep knowledge and deep understanding rather than passively receiving it
• learners are directly involved and engaged in the discovery of new knowledge
• learners encounter alternative perspectives and conflicting ideas so that they are able to transform prior knowledge and experience into deep understandings
• learners transfer new knowledge and skills to new circumstances
• learners take ownership and responsibility for their ongoing learning and mastery of curriculum content and skills
• learners contribute to social well being, the growth of democracy, and the development of a knowledgeable society.

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Guided Inquiry © is copyrighted by Dr. Carol Kuhlthau and Dr. Ross Todd.