The Shared Inquiry Method adapted from the Great Books Foundation

What is Shared Inquiry? Shared Inquiry is a distinctive method of learning in which we will search for answers to fundamental questions raised by a text and submitted by fellow classmates or instructor. This search is inherently active; it involves taking what the author has given us and trying to grasp its full meaning, to interpret or reach an understanding of what the author is saying in light of our experience and using sound reasoning.

The Leaders Role As a shared inquiry leader, you do not impart information or present your own opinions, but guide participants in reaching their own interpretations. You do this by picking thought-provoking questions from those submitted and by being an active listener. If folks submit poor questions we are in trouble.

Shared Inquiry Questions Factual questions Factual questions - have only one correct answer. Interpretive questions Interpretive questions - have more than one correct answer that can be supported with evidence from the text. Evaluative questions Evaluative questions - ask us to decide whether we agree with the authors point of view. The answer to an evaluative question depends on our knowledge, experience, and values, as well as our own interpretation of the work.

Shared Inquiry What makes a good interpretive question? You should have genuine doubt about the answer(s) to the question. You should care about the question. Your question should be discussible. Your question should be clear. Your question should be specific to the selection.

Follow-up Questions NOTE: Follow-up questions are not planned ahead, but are asked of individual speakers to probe and clarify. Examples include: Are you saying that... Where in the text did you find support for that? What do you mean by... Tell us more about...

Rules for Inquiry Discussions Come prepared Participate in the discussion Listen to each others point of view Give others a chance to participate Avoid put downs

Rules for Inquiry Discussions Remember we disagree with the ideas, not the person; differences of opinion are essential and conflict of ideas unavoidable if we have good inquiry Take turns speaking Stay focused on the question THINKTHINK before you speak