The Connection Between Inquiry-Based Learning and Growth Mindset"

1 July 2025

Education is evolving, and traditional methods no longer cut it. In today’s fast-paced world, students need more than just memorization and rote learning. They need curiosity, critical thinking, and the resilience to keep pushing forward despite challenges. This is where inquiry-based learning and a growth mindset come into play.

But how exactly do these two concepts connect? And why are they crucial for a student’s development? Let’s dive deep into the relationship between inquiry-based learning and a growth mindset, and how together, they shape lifelong learners.

What Is Inquiry-Based Learning?

Imagine a classroom where students aren’t passively receiving information but actively seeking answers. That’s the essence of inquiry-based learning (IBL). Instead of memorizing facts from a textbook, students ask questions, investigate, and draw conclusions on their own.

At its core, inquiry-based learning is about curiosity-driven exploration. Rather than being spoon-fed information, students take the role of researchers, discovering knowledge through experimentation, discussion, and real-world problem-solving.

Types of Inquiry-Based Learning

1. Confirmation Inquiry: Students confirm a principle or concept by following a pre-set process.
2. Structured Inquiry: The teacher provides a question, but students explore paths to find answers.
3. Guided Inquiry: Students develop their own methods to investigate teacher-provided questions.
4. Open Inquiry: The highest level—students pose their own questions and explore solutions independently.

Each of these encourages students to take charge of their learning, making education an active experience rather than a passive one.

What Is a Growth Mindset?

Now, let’s talk about mindset. Dr. Carol Dweck’s research shows that students generally have one of two mindsets:

- Fixed Mindset: Believing intelligence and abilities are static—“I’m either good at it or I’m not.”
- Growth Mindset: Believing intelligence and abilities can grow through effort and learning—“I can improve if I keep practicing.”

A growth mindset is key to success and resilience. It’s about embracing challenges, learning from failures, and seeing obstacles as opportunities rather than roadblocks.

Think about a baby learning to walk. Do they give up after falling a few times? No! They keep trying, adjusting, and eventually succeed. That’s the essence of a growth mindset, and it applies to learning at all levels.

The Link Between Inquiry-Based Learning and Growth Mindset

So, how do these two concepts connect? It’s simple: inquiry-based learning fosters a growth mindset by encouraging students to embrace uncertainty, make mistakes, and persist in their pursuit of knowledge.

1. Encouraging Curiosity and Exploration

Inquiry-based learning thrives on curiosity. When students are encouraged to ask questions and think critically, they develop a habit of exploration. This naturally aligns with a growth mindset, as they begin to view learning as an endless journey rather than a destination.

2. Embracing Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

In a traditional classroom, mistakes are often seen as failures. But in an inquiry-based setting, they’re celebrated as part of the learning process. When students see that failing simply means learning in progress, they develop resilience—a fundamental trait of a growth mindset.

3. Developing Problem-Solving Skills

When students engage in inquiry-based learning, they navigate problems independently. This strengthens their ability to think critically, adapt, and find creative solutions—key aspects of a growth-oriented mindset.

4. Shifting from "I Can't" to "How Can I?"

A growth mindset isn't about immediate success—it’s about believing that improvement is possible. Inquiry-based learning reinforces this by fostering perseverance. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” students learn to ask, “How can I figure this out?”

5. Promoting Ownership of Learning

Inquiry-based learning shifts responsibility from the teacher to the student. When students take ownership of their learning, they feel empowered. They recognize that effort directly impacts outcomes, which strengthens their belief in personal growth.

6. Encouraging Collaboration and Open-Mindedness

Many inquiry-based activities involve collaboration. Students discuss, debate, and refine ideas, reinforcing the notion that learning is a shared journey. This aligns closely with a growth mindset, teaching students that progress often comes from different perspectives and continuous effort.

Real-Life Applications of Inquiry-Based Learning and Growth Mindset

Let’s put this into perspective with a few real-life examples.

STEM Education

In science and engineering, innovation doesn’t happen without trial and error. Whether students are designing experiments or coding software, they must persist through failure and refine their approach—clear evidence of both inquiry-based learning and a growth mindset in action.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs don’t succeed on their first try. They ask "What went wrong?" and "How can I improve?" Inquiry-based learning teaches students to analyze data, gather feedback, and adapt—just like successful business leaders.

Sports and Performance Arts

Athletes and performers constantly practice, analyze mistakes, and refine techniques. They embody a growth mindset by viewing setbacks as stepping stones, a mindset inquiry-based learning helps develop in academic settings.

How Teachers and Parents Can Foster This Connection

Creating an environment that fosters both inquiry-based learning and a growth mindset isn’t difficult—it simply requires a shift in approach.

For Teachers:

✅ Encourage curiosity by letting students ask and investigate their own questions.
✅ Reframe failure—celebrate mistakes as learning opportunities.
✅ Use open-ended tasks that require critical thinking and creative problem-solving.
✅ Provide constructive feedback focused on effort and strategy, not just results.
✅ Model a growth mindset—show how you embrace challenges in your own learning journey.

For Parents:

✅ Praise effort, not just talent—instead of saying “You’re so smart,” try “You worked really hard on that!”
✅ Engage in inquiry-based activities at home, such as science experiments or real-world problem-solving tasks.
✅ Share personal stories of persistence to show that growth takes time.
✅ Encourage reading and discussion to develop critical thinking and curiosity.

By integrating these strategies, we create an environment where students develop both a hunger for knowledge and the belief that they can grow through effort.

Final Thoughts

When students engage in inquiry-based learning, they naturally develop a growth mindset. They learn to ask questions, embrace challenges, and persist even when things get tough. These skills don’t just benefit them academically—they prepare them for lifelong success in any field.

So, whether you’re a teacher, parent, or student, embracing inquiry and growth can unlock incredible potential. Learning isn’t just about finding the right answers; it’s about continuously seeking new questions.

The future belongs to those who stay curious, challenge themselves, and never stop growing.