1. The Shared Inquiry Model

2. What is Shared Inquiry?
Shared Inquiry is a distinctive method of learning in which participants search for answers to fundamental questions raised by a text. 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 the text in light of our experience and using sound reasoning.

3. SHARED INQUIRY
GOAL:
Self-reliant
Thinkers
Readers
Writers

4. The Teacher’s 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 asking thought-provoking questions and by being an active listener.

5. Shared Inquiry Questions
Factual questions - have only one correct
answer.
Interpretive questions - have more than one
correct answer that can be supported with
evidence from the text.
Evaluative questions - ask us to decide whether
we agree with the author’s 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.

6. 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.

7. Sequence of Questions OPENING QUESTION (1 question)
A general question that directs students into the text for
an answer.
Introduces and explores ideas, topics, and themes.
CORE QUESTIONS (2-5 questions)
Content specific
Examine central points
Interpret a passage, explore a quotation
CLOSING QUESTION (1 question)
Establishes relevance
Connects with real world
Applies to self

8. Follow-up Questions Examples include:
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...”

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

10. Rules for Inquiry Discussions
Disagree with the idea, not the person
Take turns speaking
Stay focused on the question
THINK before you speak