One team learns about rivers, another team learns about mountains, a third team learns about climate, etc. This study might go on for some time. Students learn many concepts related to their area of study as they share ideas. Eventually, students might regroup. For example, they might form new groups, each group assigned to study a different continent.
Students bring knowledge learned in their previous group to their new idea circle.
Inquiry-oriented discussions, like all other worthwhile classroom discussions, involve careful teacher planning. Students discussions are centered around careful exploration of resources. This form of discussion helps students move beyond the literal level. Students use discussion webs to help them look at two sides of an issue. The Story of the Exxon Valdez .