Page 23 - Kyalami Issue 4 December 2025

Kyalami Estates Corporate Brand Bible Design 26
3.0 Folder (Inner)
EDUCATION
aakirah Mahomed, Academic taught through traditional methods. compared to
Advisor: Foundation Phase carpet, they are
at ADvTECH, Africa’s largest By actively exploring questions and building critical
private education provider, says constructing knowledge through guided thinking skills.
Zinquiry-based learning (IBL) investigations, children develop a stronger These problem-
is an approach that harnesses children’s grasp of complex concepts, as they connect solving abilities
innate sense of wonder. new information to their own experiences and help them
curiosity. This approach not only enhances not only with
“It transforms everyday questions into academic performance but also cultivates a schoolwork, but
meaningful discoveries, sparking a lifelong mindset of inquiry that prepares students for also in everyday
love for learning. For this reason, it is im- lifelong learning, the analysis found. life.”
portant that when choosing your child’s first
school, you ensure the school’s approach is The importance of IBL is further highlighted IBL also nurtures
based on harnessing inquiry-based learning, by its alignment with 21st-century skills. collaboration
not just handing down of facts. The latter According to a 2020 report by the World and
carries a risk that learning is viewed as work Economic Forum, critical thinking, problem- communication. Zaakirah Mahomed
from a young age, which can negatively solving, and creativity are among the top As children work
influence attitudes to learning throughout skills needed in the modern workforce. IBL in small groups or pairs, they learn to share
the child’s life.” directly supports the development of these ideas, listen to others, and work as a team.
competencies by encouraging children
In a classroom rooted in inquiry, children to ask questions, analyse evidence, and CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL
are not simply passive recipients of facts. collaborate on solutions. When selecting a school, parents should
Instead, they are encouraged to wonder, look for one that prioritises inquiry as part
explore, and investigate. “By engaging in inquiry-driven tasks, such of its teaching and learning approach. Such
“Rather than memorising information, as designing experiments or debating schools encourage curiosity-driven lessons,
learners might explore why leaves change hypotheses, students build the intellectual creativity, and real-world problem-solving.
colour, how magnets work, or what creates flexibility and resilience needed to navigate
a rainbow. Guided by their teachers, they an increasingly complex world,” Mahomed “Outstanding foundation phase schools
investigate these ideas through hands- notes. place a strong emphasis on IBL and student
on activities, experiments, and creative agency. They proceed from the belief that
projects. The learning feels like play, but the IMMEDIATE BENEFITS children should have a voice and choice in
impact is powerful,” Mahomed says. Inquiry-based learning isn’t just about their learning, because by taking ownership
preparing children for the future, however. of their questions and discoveries, children
Research underscores the effectiveness It fosters engagement, curiosity, and build independence and confidence,”
of inquiry-based learning in fostering confidence from the very start. “Children Mahomed says.
deeper understanding and retention. A are encouraged to experiment, make
meta-analysis of 54 studies published mistakes, and try again. Helping them to “Parents can be assured that this
in American Psychological Association’s see that errors are simply stepping stones to approach does more than prepare children
Journal of Educational Psychology found discovery,” says Mahomed. academically. It equips them with the
that students engaged in IBL demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving
significantly higher levels of conceptual “When learners test how water flows through skills they need to thrive in a fast-changing
understanding in science compared to those a funnel or why a toy rolls differently on tile world.”

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