Discover the Power of Shared Inquiry
Strong inquiry-based learning has been proven to engage all students at higher levels of reading and thinking. Our research-based approach to learning through questioning and collaboration is what we call Shared Inquiry™.
In Shared Inquiry, the teacher serves as model learner and coach, showing how to explore complex texts and rich content while shifting to a student-centered process. The goal is creating a community of learners where every student is supported and challenged to find his or her own voice, develop deep understanding, and engage in respectful, civil discourse to learn from others.
Shared Inquiry enhances all the basic language arts skills—reading comprehension, critical thinking, writing, speaking, and listening—and enables students to learn more across the curriculum.
In Shared Inquiry, students—guided by their teacher—explore fiction and nonfiction texts by discussing open-ended questions and sharing responses and insights. In schools that use our classroom materials and method of teaching and learning, students consider important ideas, discover how these ideas have shaped events of the past, and learn critical thinking skills that will prepare them for the future.
See the Impact Inquiry-Based Learning Can Have
on Teachers, Students, and Communities
Jennifer Hewitt
“We have been using the Great Books program for quite some time, and it is amazing to see the skills of the students who have been enlightened! Their discussions with not only our Great Books stories but also in any subject area are filled with higher-level thinking, discussion, and reasoning skills. We are seeing great results!”
Michele Hudak
“Engaging in a Shared Inquiry experience is one of the finest examples of culture and community building I have ever experienced. Great Books professional development was the best we’ve ever had the opportunity in which to engage. I learned more in 10 hours of your training than I have from some of the biggest names in education.”
Kristen Holm
“The program teaches teachers and students to dig deeper, create an opinion using textual evidence, collaborate, talk about their reading, and invest in the story. The exciting part of the process is watching the students change their minds and opinions based on text evidence shared by their peers. I absolutely recommend Junior Great Books to fellow educators!”
Debra Ciochina
“How do we challenge students to get to their very best selves and their biggest potential? In that, you have to be able to think critically. You have to be able to write well. You have to be able to articulate your thoughts. You have to collaborate with others—we think Great Books enhances all of these abilities for us.”
Angela Brito
“I think Junior Great Books is an important component of a balanced literacy program because it really incorporates the reading, writing, speaking, and listening components that are at the heart of balanced literacy. Kids are really driving the process. They’re driving the discussions. . . . Their thinking is at the heart of it.”
Spiros
“I like when I get to share my thoughts with the whole class. It makes me feel kind of, like, happy because everyone is paying attention. It’s great because you actually get to share your thoughts, and it makes you feel good. You’re being respected and everyone’s listening to you . . . and you should do the same thing to other people.”
Shared Inquiry Training with Great Books Programs
These trainings are designed to support implementation of Shared Inquiry with Great Books materials for grades K–12.
We will customize an implementation plan for your school, which includes staff training, coaching and support, and Great Books materials for teachers and students. Teacher materials have step-by-step lesson plans that ease implementation into the classroom. We will work with you to identify your objectives and create a customized implementation plan to meet the goals of your school.
Shared Inquiry Method Training
These trainings are designed to give teachers across content areas the tools to implement inquiry-based teaching and learning in their classrooms.
We will customize a training plan to support your curriculum and enhance inquiry-based teaching and learning in the classroom. Our ongoing professional development includes group training, 1:1 coaching, and curriculum development to give your teachers the tools to implement inquiry-based teaching across content areas. Our experienced team of trainers will work with you to customize training to meet the individual needs of your school.
