Abstract
The requirements of a 21st century society are described particularly as they relate to the needs of individuals. Developmental theories are compared and reviewed in light of educational practice and goals. Assumptions regarding mankind's needs for inquiry are reflected in the processes of the human mind. The pathways are described through which cognitive processes are developed in students. This summary paints a portrait of humans as natural innovators deriving much of their meaning in life from solutions to challenges. The literature, by comparing the innovative needs of society with natural inquisitiveness in individuals, makes a compelling case necessitating reform in public instructional practice. With this in mind, the research here calls on practitioners in education to embrace the natural workings of the human mind through inquiry-based curricula in order to align goals with the future needs of society and the fundamental purpose innate in the human brain.
Advisor
Daria P. Dona
Date of Degree
2011
Language
english
Document Type
APP
Degree
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
College
Education
Recommended Citation
Schmitz, N. J. (2011). Increasing Capacity for Innovation through an Inquiry Approach to Instruction [Master’s alternative plan paper, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/103/
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License