inquiry-based learning Nigeria - VERBUM DEI ACADEMY & VERBUM DEI INT'L COLLEGE https://hub.vda.com.ng Achieving Excellence Together -Powered by DataSwift Tue, 07 Oct 2025 09:55:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://hub.vda.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-vbd_logo-Primary-neutral-32x32.png inquiry-based learning Nigeria - VERBUM DEI ACADEMY & VERBUM DEI INT'L COLLEGE https://hub.vda.com.ng 32 32 Encouraging Curiosity and Research Skills in Students https://hub.vda.com.ng/2025/09/11/encouraging-curiosity-and-research-skills-in-students-at-verbum-dei-international-college/ https://hub.vda.com.ng/2025/09/11/encouraging-curiosity-and-research-skills-in-students-at-verbum-dei-international-college/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:51:40 +0000 https://hub.vda.com.ng/?p=11753

Education is more than memorizing facts—it is about developing the ability to ask questions, seek answers, and apply knowledge. At Verbum Dei International College, we recognize that one of the most valuable traits a student can possess is curiosity. Combined with strong research skills, curiosity becomes the driving force that prepares learners for higher education, professional life, and lifelong learning.


Why Curiosity Matters in Education

  1. Promotes Active Learning
    Curious students don’t just wait for answers—they seek them. This leads to deeper engagement with their studies.
  2. Builds Problem-Solving Skills
    Asking “why” and “how” helps students develop critical thinking and find innovative solutions.
  3. Encourages Independence
    A curious learner takes ownership of their education, moving beyond the classroom to explore knowledge.
  4. Supports Lifelong Learning
    Curiosity ensures that learning continues well after graduation.

The Role of Research Skills

Research is the tool that transforms curiosity into knowledge. At Verbum Dei International College, students learn how to:

  • Formulate Questions – turning curiosity into research topics.
  • Gather Information – using textbooks, digital resources, and academic journals.
  • Analyze and Evaluate – assessing credibility and accuracy of information.
  • Organize Findings – structuring information into clear essays, reports, or presentations.
  • Present Work – sharing research confidently with peers and teachers.

How Verbum Dei International College Encourages Curiosity and Research

1. Project-Based Learning

Students are assigned real-world projects that require exploration, teamwork, and research.

2. Inquiry-Based Classrooms

Teachers encourage students to ask questions, leading to discussions and investigations.

3. Library and Digital Resources

The school provides access to books, e-resources, and research materials, teaching students how to navigate them effectively.

4. Research Presentations

Students present findings to their peers, developing confidence and communication skills.

5. Integration with STEM and Arts

Curiosity is nurtured across disciplines—whether in science experiments, historical inquiries, or creative writing projects.


Benefits for Verbum Dei Students

  • Greater academic independence.
  • Improved critical thinking.
  • Confidence in handling university-level research later in life.
  • A mindset of curiosity that drives both academic and personal growth.

Conclusion

At Verbum Dei International College, curiosity is not just encouraged—it is celebrated. By equipping students with strong research skills, the school ensures that they are not only prepared for academic success but also empowered to be lifelong learners, innovators, and leaders.

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The Importance of Critical Thinking Skills – How to Prepare Analytical Learners https://hub.vda.com.ng/2025/09/11/the-importance-of-critical-thinking-skills-how-verbum-dei-prepares-analytical-learners/ https://hub.vda.com.ng/2025/09/11/the-importance-of-critical-thinking-skills-how-verbum-dei-prepares-analytical-learners/#respond Thu, 11 Sep 2025 10:39:22 +0000 https://hub.vda.com.ng/?p=11731

In today’s fast-changing world, academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. Students must also learn how to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems — in other words, they must develop critical thinking skills. At Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College, critical thinking is at the heart of learning. By nurturing these skills early, the schools prepare students to become not just exam-ready, but life-ready.


What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to go beyond memorizing facts. It involves:

  • Asking questions.
  • Analyzing information.
  • Evaluating different perspectives.
  • Drawing logical conclusions.
  • Applying knowledge to real-life situations.

Instead of simply accepting what they hear or read, critical thinkers actively engage with ideas, test them, and form their own reasoned judgments.


Why Critical Thinking Matters for Students

  1. Boosts Academic Performance
    Critical thinkers don’t just cram for tests; they understand concepts deeply. This makes them better at solving exam questions and tackling unexpected challenges.
  2. Improves Problem-Solving Skills
    Life often presents complex problems. Students who can think critically are more likely to approach issues calmly, logically, and creatively.
  3. Encourages Independence
    A child who learns to analyze situations is less dependent on others for answers. They grow into independent learners and decision-makers.
  4. Prepares for Future Careers
    Whether in science, business, or leadership, critical thinking is one of the top skills employers seek. Students who develop it early have a lifelong advantage.

How Verbum Dei Builds Critical Thinking

At both the Academy and the College, critical thinking is integrated into teaching methods:

  • Discussion-Based Learning – Teachers encourage open-ended questions and class discussions where students can express opinions and defend them with reasoning.
  • Problem-Solving Activities – Pupils work on puzzles, case studies, and real-world scenarios to apply classroom knowledge.
  • Project Work – Group projects push learners to research, analyze, and present findings in creative ways.
  • Inquiry-Based Science – Instead of memorizing experiments, students explore hypotheses, test results, and draw their own conclusions.
  • Debates and Public Speaking – These platforms train learners to think on their feet, argue logically, and evaluate opposing views.

Examples from Verbum Dei Classrooms

  • At Verbum Dei Academy, a maths lesson might involve puzzles and story problems that require reasoning, not rote memorization.
  • At Verbum Dei International College, literature students may be asked to compare themes across books and relate them to current societal issues.
  • Science teachers encourage students to test “what if” questions, sparking curiosity and independent analysis.

The Teacher’s Role in Developing Critical Thinking

Verbum Dei teachers act as guides, not just instructors. Instead of giving all the answers, they encourage students to explore and find solutions themselves. This approach fosters resilience, patience, and confidence.


The Result: Analytical, Confident Learners

By the time they graduate, Verbum Dei students have developed a habit of reflection and analysis. They know how to ask questions, weigh evidence, and make informed decisions — qualities that serve them well in academics, personal life, and future careers.


Conclusion

Critical thinking is more than a skill — it is a lifelong asset. At Verbum Dei Academy and Verbum Dei International College, students are not just taught what to think, but how to think. This commitment to nurturing analytical learners ensures that every child leaves with the tools to face challenges, solve problems, and contribute meaningfully to society.

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