The Great Books Foundation is an independent, nonprofit,
educational organization established in 1947 to promote lifelong learning
through the reading and discussion of literature by using Shared Inquiry-- a discussion method for achieving a more thorough
understanding of works of literature
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 by the use of sound reasoning.
Discussion leaders ask honest questions about the work,
with no sure answer in mind. The kind of question the leader asks determines
the kind of discussion, and even the kind of thinking that will occur. Shared Inquiry distinguishes three
kinds of questions: Factual,
Interpretative, and Evaluative.
1) A factual question asks, what is the author saying? It is the
lowest level of questioning. There is only one correct answer to a factual
question that can be supported with evidence from the text. Knowing the facts
differs from knowing what the facts mean.
2)
An interpretative question asks, what does the author mean?
It has more than one answer that can be supported with evidence from the text.
Use your own curiosity about the meaning of the selection as a means of
developing effective interpretive questions. THE SHARED INQUIRY DISCUSSION FOCUSES
ON INTERPRETATIVE QUESTIONS. To answer an interpretative question, the reader must figure
out what the text means by what it says. To interpret is to make sense of
what is said.
3)
An evaluative question
asks, what do you think of the author’s ideas? The reader examines whether or not the author’s point
of view is in agreement with his or her own beliefs, values, and experiences.
This type of question is reserved for the end of the discussion.
THE FOUR RULES FOR
SHARED INQUIRY DISCUSSIONS
1. Only those who have read the
selection may take part in the discussion.
2. Discussion is restricted to the
selection everyone has read. No outside authorities are used. Discussion is
rooted in the common reading. When the selection at hand remains the focus of
discussion everyone can determine whether facts are accurately recalled or
opinions adequately supported.
3. All opinions should be supported
with evidence from the selection. This promotes critical thinking and ensures
careful reading and a greater appreciation for literature.
4. Leaders should only ask
questions, not answer them. The leader
can convert his or her opinion into a follow-up question, rather than stating
it as fact or opinion. In Shared
Inquiry participants learn to judge for
themselves what the text means. Participants may make statements AND ask questions.
What are the desired outcomes of
Shared Inquiry?
Shared Inquiry helps develop both the flexibility of the
mind to consider problems from many angles as well as the discipline to analyze
ideas critically.
Participants learn to give full consideration to the ideas
of others, to weigh the merits of opposing arguments, and to modify their
initial opinions as the evidence demands. They gain experience in communicating
complex ideas and in supporting, testing, and expanding their own thoughts. In
this way, the shared inquiry method promotes thoughtful dialogue and open
debate, preparing its participants to become able, responsible citizens, as
well as enthusiastic, lifelong readers.
A FEW OTHER CONSIDERATIONS—
Participant Attitudes
and Conduct
Be prepared to
participate – Read
the selection carefully and more than once, if at all possible. Make notes and
write down questions as you read. Mark passages that support your
interpretation of the work. Also mark those you found especially profound or
ambiguous.
Suspension of
disbelief – Try to
lend yourself to the author’s approach. If you immediately settle into an
attitude of rejection, you deprive both yourself and the other participants of
that portion of the “truth” you might have gained and shared from the reading.
Hidden agendas – Do not allow your social, religious,
or political ideas to disrupt or block the discussion of a work. Dogmatism must
be replaced by suspension of disbelief in order to create the right environment
for a Shared Inquiry discussion.
Simple courtesies – Actively listening to others; responding
rather than presenting a monologue; allowing one participant to finish a point
without interruption; and making room
for the quiet person to formulate and express a viewpoint are the expected
norms for a discussion.
For more detailed
information, log on to www.greatbooks.org