Getting Started with Great Books in the Classroom : Checklist for Conducting Shared Inquiry Discussion

Before participating in a Shared Inquiry Discussion, students will need to read the story, or have it read to them, twice (see Lesson 4).

Click on a checklist item. Details will appear to the right.

Arrange seating in a circle
Determine group size
Prepare a seating chart
Explain the four rules
Distribute the Building Your Answer form
Pose an interpretive question (see Lesson 2)
Give students ample time to reflect and write an answer
Lead discussion by asking questions (see Lesson 3)
End discussion after...
Conduct a brief closing activity

6. Pose an interpretive question.
Not all questions are equally effective for Shared Inquiry Discussion. Interpretive questions can be validly answered in more than one way. The text itself will support these various valid answers. Rather than focusing on a question with a single correct answer or a question that forces speculation and guessing, Shared Inquiry focuses on a question that can be adequately answered in more than one way, and that calls for supporting evidence and reasoning.
An interpretive question is most likely to generate a lively discussion that will lead all participants to a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the story.

Prev | Next | Checklist for Conducting Shared Inquiry Discussion

Home | Programs | Training | Participate | Contacts

Click here to read the JGB text for Jack and the Beanstalk.

The best introduction to Shared Inquiry and using Junior Great Books is the Basic Leader Training Course.
More on JGB training...