INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW
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The Impact of the Essential Questions
With a well thought-out question to begin the inquiry process, students will be interested and energized in efforts to find the answer. Students will feel that they are working on a real problem that needs a solution. Gordon Wells (1992) stated,
All of us know from our own experience how much we can learn when we have a real question to answer- a practical problem to solve or an intellectual puzzle to which we are driven to find a solution. But perhaps the most energizing and productive inquiries are those that are motivated by problems that are both practical and intellectual. (p.7)
According to the YouthLearn Initiative at the Education Development Center (2001-3), with a well-planned essential question, the teacher will be able to “invite opinions, thoughts and feelings, encourage participation, establish rapport, stimulate discussion, and maintain balance between facilitator and participant” (The Structure of Questions, para. 2).
Resources:
Education Development Center (2001-3). Teaching techniques: The art of asking good questions. Retrieved April 17, 2006, from http://www.youthlearn.org/learning/teaching/questions.asp
Wells, G. (1992). Language and the inquiry-oriented curriculum. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED355539). Retrieved January 2, 2006, from ERIC E*Subscribe database.
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