5E and Inquiry

The 5 E lesson plan design is aligned with the inquiry process because it encourages students to explore subject matter. With inquiry based learning, students' learning is guided by their questions and curiosities. Students use their knowledge that was constructed during inquiry-based learning and apply it widely in and out of schools. Inquiry in the classroom does not simply mean finding the "right'' answer but finding appropriate answers to questions.
The 5 E lesson plan designs is similar because students are constantly engaged in their learning and are making connections between past and present learning experiences. For example, students may ask a question and seek the means to answer this question as a way to get them engaged in an activity. It also involves students exploring and explaining their thinking as well as reflecting on their experience with the learning.
In both the 5 e lesson plan and inquiry processes, the teacher acts as a "guide" rather than the one that stands in front of the room spitting out facts for students to memorize. Also, communities of learners are to be created to help share the learning experience and to make it more meaningful for students. A major part of this is the idea that students develop and use their critical thinking and higher level thinking skills to help create a deeper meaning of the content.
If i were principal of a school, I would definetly encourage my teachers to use this form of teaching. Not only is it research based, but it is proven to help students create and retain content better than with just direct instruction alone. It allows students to get involved in their learning by guiding the direction of their understanding using their questions. I think using this form of education helps hold students more accountable for their education and serves as an engaging approach to teaching that will benefit many students.