Inquiry teaching requires the teacher to frame questions in a way which challenges students to examine often conflicting evidence, draw conclusions and support these conclusions in thoughtful discussions with others who, using the same evidence base, reach divergent conclusions.

A goal of inquiry-based learning is to develop the students' skills of critical analysis, to become life-long learners able to confront any topic, research it, and have confidence in their ability to defend what, in some cases, may be minority opinions.

The ultimate goal is to produce independent, thinking, and articulate citizens.