Inquiry is used as a basis for instruction in the AVID classroom. Students develop and practice critical thinking skills and learn how to develop questions for their Cornell notes and for tutorial groups. In AVID, inquiry is a tool for learning. Collaboration is used as a basis for instruction in the AVID classroom. AVID students are taught to work collaboratively, receiving training in group etiquette, in the development of group process ground rules, and in the purposes for working together.
Students utilize questions from their notes to focus discussion.
They learn to value the power of their collective minds to experience the synergy by working together to identify and solve problems, to share ideas, and to prepare for tests. They are taught to debrief their group efforts in learning logs, articulating both what they have learned and what they hope to do more effectively the next time they work together. Collaboration augments one's learning and illustrates the power of synergy. A sufficient number of tutors must be available in the AVID class to facilitate student access to rigorous curriculum. Because AVID students are those who have not previously succeeded in college preparatory courses, it is imperative that upon their enrollment in AVID and a college preparatory course of study they obtain academic support from tutors.