Creating a classroom culture that promotes inquiry-oriented discussions: Reading and talking about multiple texts

In this report, we provide a rationale for making inquiry-oriented discussions a more integral part of classroom practice. We begin by identifying five features that make this type distinct from other types of discussion. Then, in the heart of the report we explain the concepts and practices that are central to creating inquiry-oriented discussions. We discuss these concepts and practices by depicting a framework of sorts for designing, implementing, and evaluating inquiry-oriented discussions. The framework focuses on nine elements key to making inquiry-oriented discussions more integral to classroom practice. Finally, we provide suggestions for getting started with inquiry-oriented discussions, and address questions often raised by those who start these discussions in their classroom