Inquisitivism: The Evolution of a Constructivist Approach for Web-Based Instruction

Abstract

This chapter introduces inquisitivism as an approach for designing and delivering Web-based instruction that shares many of the same principles of minimalism and other constructivist approaches. Inquisitivism is unique in that its two primary or first principles are the removal of fear and the stimulation of an inquisitive nature. The approach evolved during the design and delivery of an online full-credit university course. The results of a quasi-experimental design-based study revealed that online students in the inquisitivism-based course scored significantly higher on their final project scores, showed no significant difference in their satisfaction with their learning experiences from their face-to-face (F2F) counterparts, and had a reduction in fear or anxiety toward technology. Finally, the results revealed that there was no significant difference in final project scores across the personality types tested. The author hopes that inquisitivism will provide a foundation for creating effective constructivist-based online learning environments.