While exploring the new GID units from the EQuIP Grant gives a glimpse into the power of inquiry-based learning, it’s important to recognize that such deep, authentic implementation doesn’t happen easily or by accident.
The success of these units — and the remarkable student outcomes they produced — came directly from the strong foundation built during the Guided Inquiry Design® Institute training.
Why Training Matters
One of the most important findings from the EQuIP grant study was this:
When both the school librarian and classroom teacher received full GID training, students achieved significantly greater success.
In contrast, when only the librarian had training, and the classroom teacher had not experienced GID professional learning, students’ outcomes were noticeably weaker.
Understanding the framework, the phases of inquiry, and the strategies that support student learning at each stage made a profound difference.
Professional learning through the GID Institute proved essential to effective implementation.
What Happens During GID Institute Training?
The GID Institute offers a carefully designed experience that mirrors the process we want students to experience during inquiry:
- Start with a Concept
Teams identify a globally important idea that also connects meaningfully to their students and community. - Align to Standards
Teams select national, state, or local standards across five areas of learning: content, literacy, information literacy, social, and process learning. - Collaborate to Design the Unit
Working together, teams create units that flow through the inquiry process, identify the best resources, and build in rich student experiences. - Receive Coaching on Unit Designs
Teams receive personal feedback and coaching on their designs from Dr. Leslie Maniotes or designated district/school leads, ensuring strong alignment with the GID Framework. - Implement and Reflect
Teams implement their units within the same year, experience the process alongside students, and reflect with peers and coaches on what worked — and what can be improved.
The GID Reflective Implementation Cycle
The learning doesn’t end after the first implementation.
GID encourages a professional cycle of reflective practice, where teachers refine, adjust, and improve their units through multiple iterations.
Teams who move through three rounds of reflection and re-implementation gain fluency with GID, confidence with its strategies, and an expert ability to guide students through meaningful inquiry learning experiences.
Guided Inquiry Design® is not a one-time workshop — it’s a professional journey that grows with your practice.
See the Power of GID Training: New Video Featuring an EQuIP Team
In our new video, you can watch a team that participated in the GID Institute now moving effortlessly through their second round of unit implementation.
Teacher and librarian collaborate seamlessly, students are deeply engaged, and inquiry learning thrives.
Watch the video here → LINK
Join the Movement for Better Learning through Guided Inquiry Design®
The EQuIP Grant experience demonstrated what we know to be true:
Structured, sustained professional learning empowers educators to bring inquiry to life in powerful ways.
If you’re ready to deepen your practice, build collaborative teams, and inspire your students through inquiry-based learning, we invite you to join an upcoming Guided Inquiry Design® Institute.
Start your GID professional learning journey GID ACADEMY
