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 Leader’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 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 questionsFactual questions - have only one correctanswer.

Interpretive questionsInterpretive questions - have more than onecorrect answer that can be supported withevidence from the text.

Evaluative questionsEvaluative questions - ask us to decide whetherwe agree with the author’s point of view. Theanswer to an evaluative question depends onour knowledge, experience, and values, as wellas our own interpretation of the work.

Shared InquiryWhat makes a good interpretive question?What makes a good interpretive question?

You should have genuine doubt about the answer(s) tothe 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 QuestionsFollow-up QuestionsNOTE: Follow-up questions are not planned ahead, but are askedof individual speakers to probe and clarify.

Examples include: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 other’s

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