Inquiry learning in history

This chapter provides an introduction to research on inquiry learning in history, through a discussion of several central themes within the field. The chapter starts by addressing the question as to how inquiry learning is conceptualized within history education and, in particular, what sets it apart from inquiry learning in other domains. After considering the potential benefits of inquiry learning in history, the chapter then continues with a discussion of instructional approaches that have been shown to be effective in supporting inquiry learning in history. Finally, the chapter also addresses the role of the history teacher in inquiry learning, through an overview of research on history teachers’ adoption of inquiry learning, and teacher training with a focus on inquiry learning in history. Based on the discussion of these themes, the chapter outlines important challenges for future research in the field and the implementation of inquiry learning in history education.