Approach Teaching Quote by Kelly Gallagher
““That is to say, the process of working through an argument is the process of inquiry” (2011, xxii; emphasis in original). The approach Hillocks suggests is the opposite of the traditional approach to teaching the argument paper, where a student starts with a claim and then begins to find evidence that supports the claim. Instead, Hillocks says that students should start with inquiry. They should “swim” in issues until interesting arguments begin to emerge.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Teaching Argument, 2011, pp. xxii
Inquiry‑driven argumentation encourages students to explore issues deeply before forming claims, fostering genuine insight.
In simple terms: Explore issues first, then argue.
Key Takeaway
Start with questions, not conclusions.
Themes
education
critical thinking
argumentation
Mood
inspirational
analytical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- classroom debates
- research projects
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
pedagogy
inquiry
dialectic
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions can spark a strong argument?
- How do you balance inquiry with structure?
A Different Perspective
Students may struggle without a clear claim to guide research, leading to vague outcomes.
