Inquiry-Based Learning in Higher Education—Now Available as a Self-Study Course

Inquiry-based learning offers a wide range of opportunities to actively involve students in research processes and to foster research skills in a targeted manner. But how can this concept be implemented in your own course?

The new self-paced course “Research-Based Learning” offers a practical introduction to the concept in a higher education context. Across six learning modules , it integrates theoretical foundations, instructional design processes, and practical implementation strategies.

Upon completing the self-paced course, you will be able to design a course based on the concept of inquiry-based learning by…

• understand and distinguish between key terms in research-based teaching.
• understand inquiry-based learning as a higher education pedagogical concept;
• familiarize yourself with models of student research competence and reflect on which competencies students should develop in your course.
• integrate appropriate methods throughout the research cycle into your detailed course planning.
• reflect on your own role as an instructor in the context of inquiry-based learning.
• Identify the conditions for success and potential challenges in research-based learning and respond appropriately.
• Apply what you have learned to your own teaching practice using practical examples and supplementary materials.

Individual reflection and application exercises allow you to adapt the content to your own prior knowledge and teaching practice.

The course is intended for instructors with prior knowledge of higher education pedagogy—regardless of whether you are just beginning to gain experience with inquiry-based learning or are already highly experienced. In particular, it was also developed for lecturers ( as defined in § 74 of the Saxon Higher Education Act [SächsHSG]) at all types of Saxon higher education institutions and in all Departments.

The self-paced course comprises six learning modules with up to 16 work units (AE) and can be completed flexibly at your own pace. A reflection session (1 AE) is available as an option.

Explore the self-study course and further develop inquiry-based learning for your own teaching practice.