Inquiry and the Literary Text

Book excerpt: Inquiry and the Literary Text will help newcomers and veterans alike make the most of student discussion and inquiry in classrooms from middle school to high school to college. The contributors--secondary and college practitioners--offer theory-grounded, classroom-tested approaches for literature study in which students engage in democratic dialogue and practice authentic, collaborative inquiry. The book opens with a concise primer on discussion-based classes (seminars) and inquiry-focused instruction. It then moves into three main sections that provide ideas to invigorate discussion and inquiry in any classroom, and it closes with an annotated bibliography of suggested readings.