What Is Guided Inquiry Design®?
Guided Inquiry Design® (GID) is a research-based framework that helps educators design and facilitate student-centered inquiry for deeper learning.
Developed by Dr. Carol Kuhlthau, Dr. Leslie Maniotes, and Ann Caspari, GID brings structure and flexibility to the inquiry process, helping students learn how to learn through asking better questions, thinking critically, collaborating meaningfully, and constructing their own understanding.
GID Poster Series for the classroom or library
Who Is GID For?
GID works across all grade levels and content areas. It’s especially powerful for:
- Teachers who want to move beyond superficial research projects or are worried about AI
- Librarians leading information literacy instruction
- Instructional Coaches supporting curriculum, effective teaching, and collaboration
- School Leaders developing instructional coherence and collaborative capacity within their building.
- District Leaders building sustainable instructional capacity district-wide through research-backed design with a lasting transformation
What Content Areas Can GID Be Used For?
- ELA, Social Studies, and History – research, primary sources, synthesis
- STEM and Project-Based Learning – design thinking, real-world application
- Math – mathematical reasoning, real-world application
- Electives & Arts – personal connection and creative expression
- Gifted & Special Education – personalized differentiation and inclusive access
- Civic Action, Capstone, National History Day – authentic, student-driven inquiry
What Kinds of Learning Does GID Support?
GID supports 5 kinds of learning critical to today’s classrooms:
- Content Learning – Deep understanding of subject matter
- Information Literacy – Critical evaluation and use of sources and research strategies
- Literacy – Reading, writing, speaking, listening, & viewing in context with synthesis and analysis
- Learning How to Learn – Curiosity, metacognition, & process learning
- Social-Emotional Learning – Perseverance, self-awareness, confidence, & growth mindset
Why GID Is Essential Now
In an AI-powered world, students can find answers fast, but learning how to think, reflect, and create still requires structure and guidance. Guided Inquiry Design® provides that structure, helping educators slow down the learning just when students need think time, and use AI and other tools to speed up the tasks when useful. In essence, GID supports the human side of learning—curiosity, connection, voice, and perseverance—making the process more meaningful, equitable, and lasting.