SEAMEO INNOTECH embarked on the study,“Nurturing Critical and Creative Thinkers through Inquiry-Based Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Care and Education,” to look at examples of how inquiry-based teaching and learning (IBTL) is delivered in learning sessions with children ages three to eight. IBTL is a pedagogy that encourages students to learn by exploring, investigating, analyzing and asking questions. The practice helps hone the learner’s critical thinking, creativity and imagination. The study looks at the various factors contributing to IBTL, such as national and school-based policies, learning materials, learning environment, parental engagement, teacher preparation, assessment, and monitoring and evaluation. It also probes into how inquiry-based teaching and learning helps foster the natural state of inquisitiveness and creativity of young learners.
