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

2. Determine group size.
Depending on the age and communication skills of the students, group sizes between 10 and 20 are usually most effective.
A good discussion needs enough participants for a wide variety of ideas and interpretations to be expressed, but not so many that participants don’t have adequate opportunity to share their ideas.

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...