Page 180 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Mojca Žefran and Silva Bratož

digital tools effectively for problem-solving and collaboration. One pedagogi-
cal approach that has proven highly effective in fostering these essential skills
is inquiry-based learning. Originally well-established in science education,
inquiry-based learning is now gaining importance across various disciplines.
By placing students in active learning roles, prompting them to explore prob-
lems, formulate questions, and actively engage in the process of discovery,
this approach not only promotes deeper understanding but also cultivates
problem-solving skills and intellectual autonomy, and adaptability - skills that
are indispensable in the modern educational and professional landscape.
This study underscores the effectiveness of inquiry-based learning (IBL) as
a pedagogical approach that significantly enhances student engagement,
motivation, and skill development. The analysis of the IBL scenario revealed
that while students thrived in most phases, there is a critical need for im-
provement in the explanation phase to better equip learners with the skills
necessary for conducting scientific literature reviews and critically evaluat-
ing academic texts. Students expressed strong positive attitudes toward IBL,
highlighting its advantages over traditional teaching methods. However,
they also acknowledged the heightened demands that IBL placed on their
time and effort, suggesting that structured scaffolding is essential for sup-
porting students through these challenging tasks.
Although we remain cautious about drawing too-strong inferences about
the direct impact of IBL on students’ digital competences based on this study
alone, the findings stronglyindicate that IBL contributes positively to the de-
velopment of digital skills and collaboration, while fostering critical thinking
abilities. Although many students initially perceived themselves as already
proficient in digital literacy, they recognized the importance of IBL in enhanc-
ing their analytical and cooperative skills. Furthermore, the study highlights
the importance of balancing student autonomy with structured guidance to
maximize learning outcomes. Finally, the outcomes of this study suggest sev-
eral avenues for further research. In the area of education, a particularly valu-
able research focus would be different ways in which IBL fosters collaborative
competences through group projects, peer discussions, and the use of digital
collaboration tools. Further research could explore how digital tools facilitate
inquiry-based group tasks and how students negotiate roles, communicate,
and share knowledge in virtual environments.
As educational institutions continue to integrate digital technologies into
learning environments, it is crucial to adopt pedagogical approaches that do
more than teach students how to use digital tools – they must also empower
them to think critically, collaborate effectively, and navigate an increasingly

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