Developing Inquiry for Learning - Practical Guide for Tutors

In this review of Developing Inquiry for Learning, the bottom line is straightforward: this book is for university tutors who want practical, theory-informed strategies to help students become active, professional inquirers. Frances Wells focuses on shifting students from a passive, spoon-fed approach to independent, collaborative learning, making the book most valuable for tutors responsible for curriculum design, assessment or professional development. The review finds the text earnest and focused, offering thoughtful approaches to planning and developing teaching that are immediately applicable in higher education settings.

Key Features

• Focus on inquiry: Explains how tutors can guide students to become professional inquirers rather than passive recipients of information, improving long-term learning skills.
• Curriculum perspective: Discusses curriculum planning and development so tutors can align teaching, learning and assessment for clearer learning outcomes.
• Practical tutor strategies: Offers ideas for challenging spoon-fed habits and fostering collaborative yet independently motivated students in seminars and tutorials.
• Professional development angle: Frames tutors professional growth as part of curriculum improvement, giving staff concrete areas to reflect on and develop.
• Student learning focus: Identifies common student misconceptions about learning and suggests creative responses tutors can use to address them.

Who It's For

This book is aimed primarily at university tutors, module convenors and academic developers who design and deliver higher education teaching and assessment. It suits staff who want a practical framework for encouraging inquiry-based learning and improving student autonomy.

It is less suitable for primary or secondary classroom teachers looking for age-specific activities or for readers seeking a heavily research-led academic monograph; the tone is practical and oriented to day-to-day teaching challenges in higher education.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear focus on turning passive learners into active inquirers, which is directly relevant to teaching practice.
• Practical guidance on curriculum planning and assessment that tutors can adapt to their courses.
• Support for tutors professional development, linking individual practice to broader curriculum change.

Cons

• Limited empirical detail or extensive case studies, so readers wanting dense research data may find it light.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Developing Inquiry for Learning is a practical resource for higher education staff who want to move students away from passive learning toward independent, collaborative inquiry. Its emphasis on curriculum planning and tutors professional development makes it good value for academics seeking actionable ideas rather than a heavy research volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for new tutors?
Yes. It provides straightforward strategies and a curriculum perspective that can help early-career tutors develop inquiry-focused teaching.

Does it include assessment guidance?
Yes. The book ties assessment to curriculum planning and suggests ways to align assessment with inquiry-based learning goals.

Will it help with student motivation?
It offers approaches to challenge spoon-fed attitudes and cultivate independent motivation, though it is focused on tutor practice rather than student-facing exercises.