GEMS Education is a respected international education company that is dedicated to providing excellent education to students globally. At GEMS Education’s American international schools, one of the core teaching methodologies is enquiry-based learning.
What is Enquiry-Based Learning?
Encouraging learners to take an active role in their learning process and prioritizing student-centered learning are the hallmarks of EBL, an educational approach. It involves the use of open-ended questions, investigation, exploration, and critical thinking to guide students in developing new knowledge, skills, and understanding.
In an EBL environment, students are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, and explore solutions independently or in small groups. The teacher takes on a facilitator role and guides students by asking relevant questions and providing resources and support.
EBL can be applied in various subjects, and it is particularly effective in subjects that require critical thinking, such as science, social studies, and language arts. Project-based learning is another context in which EBL can be applied, as it involves students using their critical thinking skills to solve a specific problem or task.
What are its benefits?
Encourages critical thinking: This approach fosters critical thinking, inquiry, and analysis among students. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of a subject and better prepares them for future academic and professional endeavors.
Promotes creativity: Through this approach, students are empowered to explore their interests and generate new ideas. By promoting creativity and innovation, this method helps students develop essential skills for navigating today’s rapidly changing world.
Enhances problem-solving skills: EBL equips students with the ability to recognize issues, gather data, and develop solutions. This skill is useful in many different aspects of life.
Increases engagement: It is a student-centered approach that encourages active participation and engagement. It can inspire greater motivation, curiosity, and interest in learning.
Develops lifelong learning skills: It teaches students how to learn independently and develop their own knowledge. By fostering a love for learning and equipping students with life-long skills, this approach can benefit their academic and personal growth.
Prepares students for real-world situations: It often involves real-world scenarios and practical applications, which prepares students for future academic and professional situations.
How it’s implemented at GEMS
At GEMS, EBL is implemented through a student-centered approach that encourages active participation and exploration.
Open-ended questions and investigations: EBL begins with open-ended questions and investigations that encourage students to think critically and explore their interests. Teachers provide guidance and resources to support students’ inquiries and help them develop their own knowledge.
Hands-on experiences: EBL often involves hands-on experiences that allow students to apply what they have learned in a practical and meaningful way. This can include experiments, projects, and field trips.
Collaborative learning: EBL often involves collaboration among students, which promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. Students work in small groups to investigate topics and share their findings with the class.
Flexibility and adaptability: EBL is a flexible approach that can be adapted to different subjects, interests, and abilities. Teachers use a range of teaching strategies and resources to support students’ inquiries and accommodate their individual learning needs.
Assessment and reflection: EBL involves ongoing assessment and reflection to monitor student progress and provide feedback. Through reflection, students can acknowledge their progress and identify areas that need more work, thus fostering a growth mindset.
A List of GEMS’s American Curriculum Schools
GEMS AL Khaleej International School
Located at Al Warqa, Dubai, UAE, this school was established in 1992, catering to pupils aged 3-18.
Al Khaleej International School values the exploration of talents, the development of interests, and the establishment of strong relationships among students. From sports like fencing and karate to creative pursuits like robotics and photography, their extra-curricular activities are designed to help students learn while having fun. They believe that these activities can complement the rigorous education they offer and provide a well-rounded learning experience for their students.
No matter the student’s interests or abilities, the school offers activities that will appeal to them, such as music or sports. Joining these activities can improve students’ creativity, enable them to acquire new abilities, and foster enduring relationships with their peers.
GEMS American Academy – Abu Dhabi
Established in 2007, this is one American curriculum schools in Abu Dhabi catering to students aged 3-18, from kindergarten to Grade 12. The school is located in the heart of Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and adheres to high United States Common Core State Standards.
At the Khalifa City A campus, students have access to cutting-edge resources like a planetarium and a music technology lab that enrich their learning and unlock their potential.
This academy is committed to providing their students with globally recognized qualifications that open doors to a bright future. Their goal is to help every student discover their “personal best”, whether they excel in sports, the arts, or academics.
GEMS Dubai American Academy
Dubai American Academy (DAA) is a renowned American school under the GEMS Education group. The school provides a choice of the enriched American Curriculum or the International Baccalaureate Diploma to students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for successful admission to renowned universities and colleges globally.
DAA is the only American curriculum school in Dubai to have received an Outstanding rating from KHDA, and has maintained this rating since 2011. The school’s campus features top-notch facilities, including high-quality infrastructure, that uphold the institution’s values, traditions, and legacy while delivering an education that meets global standards.