Our Complete Framework:

Process + Tools in Action

The power of Guided Inquiry Design® comes from the interaction between the inquiry process and the tools that support it. Each phase is paired with practical strategies that help make student thinking visible, foster collaboration, guide reflection, and support learners as they move from curiosity to deeper understanding.

This poster serves as a classroom anchor chart

Inquiry Tools

What GID Inquiry Tools Do

The GID Inquiry Tools help educators and students:

  • Make student thinking visible throughout the inquiry process
  • Support reflection, meaning-making, and decision-making
  • Foster meaningful collaboration and conversation
  • Guide learners through uncertainty toward deeper understanding
  • Teach research and information literacy skills in authentic context

Visualize the Flow

See how GID phases and tools align to create a cohesive and connected learning experience.
OPEN

JOURNAL
COMMUNITY

 

 

 

IMMERSE

JOURNAL
COMMUNITY
CIRCLES

 

 

EXPLORE

JOURNAL
LOG
CIRCLES

 

 

IDENTIFY

JOURNAL
LOG
CHART

 

 

GATHER

JOURNAL
LOG
CIRCLES

 

 

 

CREATE

JOURNAL
LOG
CIRCLES
CHART

 

 

SHARE

JOURNAL
COMMUNITY
CIRCLES

 

 

EVALUATE

JOURNAL

 

 

Why These Tools Work

GID Tools are rooted in research. Dr. Carol Kuhlthau’s groundbreaking work on the Information Search Process revealed six strategies students use to construct understanding during inquiry. These strategies became the foundation of the GID Inquiry Tools:

    • Collaborate – Share resources and co-create understanding
    • Compose – Reflect and make sense throughout the journey
    • Choose – Make informed decisions to guide learning
    • Chart – Visualize and organize thinking
    • Converse – Talk to think, learn, clarify, and connect ideas
    • Continue – Stay engaged, persistent, and open to growth

These strategies are woven into every tool, making GID effective and empowering for all learners.

Download the Research Behind the Tools

Beyond the Tools: Practical Strategies That Work

When you engage with Guided Inquiry Design® through our books and trainings, you’ll also gain:

 

      • Protocols for thinking, collaboration, and classroom community
      • Design strategies for using objects, field experiences, and multimedia to deepen learning at key moments in the inquiry process
      • Thoughtful technology integration to support reflection, curation, creation, and sharing
      • Workshop models with ready-to-use planning tools and facilitation structures

Ready to Put GID into Practice?

Bring Guided Inquiry Design® to your classroom or school. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to lead, we’ve got you covered.

Explore your next step:

Download the Free GID Starter Guide
Book a Strategy Session for Your Team
Try the Free Welcome Course