There’s nothing I care more about than students, and there are few things I think can serve a student better than being able to ask the right question at the right time.

In “Why Questions Are More Important Than Answers,” I said that “Questioning is the art of learning. Learning to ask important questions is the best evidence of understanding there is, far surpassing the temporary endorphins of a correct ‘answer.’ And while I sometimes disagree with things I say after hearing or reading them later, that still holds up.

I saw the above graphic a few months ago while I was researching question-formation strategies. That post is still about 2/3 finished but after that long, I thought it made sense to share this graphic to kind of frame that content whenever I finally get off my keister and get it together.

Warren Berger shared it on edutopia, so I thought I’d help build on it by adding some strategies for each of his ideas. Note: Berger is the author of A More Beautiful Question: The Power Of Inquiry To Spark Breakthrough Ideas (affiliate link), a worthwhile read for any educator or parent, if not grade 10+ student.

6 Ways To Help Students Ask Better Questions

1. Make it safe to ask questions.

Use write-arounds, exit slips, or backchannel discussions for sharing inquiries.

2. Make good questions visible.

Publish the best examples. Have a question hall-of-fame. I called it ‘intellectual graffiti’ in my class. Students loved re-reading these–especially students from other classes who’d ask “Who asked this? Who said that?,” and were often floored at my responses.

3. Make it fun to pose queries.

Create a concept-map of the short and long-term effects of a great question. Write them on post-cards and have students #hashtag instagram or twitter posts holding said cards. (Here’s an old but still mostly useful post–1oo twitter tips for teachers–with related ideas.)

4. Make it rewarding.

Give actual points for good questions. Give even more points when they improve existing ones. Create makeshift learning badges or ‘levels’ of questioning and inquiry that students can ‘achieve.’

5. Make it stick.

The more authentic and non-academic the great inquiries are, and the more often they’re revisited (naturally and authentically), the more they will stick. Help them ask great questions about their own lives, and create ‘assignments’ where they have to follow-through somehow on that inquiry.

6. Make it necessary

Create learning experiences (activities, lessons, units, etc.) that can’t function or ‘move forward’ without critical thinking.

Reference:https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/5-ways-help-students-ask-better-questions/?fbclid=IwAR3QzQXbQfMC3KP_TlrVk8bkNU39Mvr4IR2uCpvN5CgLwFvUvC5rLht0p5g

A simple framework can help upper elementary students find the perfect method to share their learning with their classmates.

We’re all guilty of creating imaginary scenarios in our heads. What if I won the lottery? What if I became famous? What if I finally took that road trip across the country? And, of course, the ultimate teacher fantasy: What if educators were shown an appropriate amount of respect?

We know how crucial education is, yet people seem to forget that teachers are the ones who facilitate that education. So join me in my daydream, and together we can imagine the step-by-step improvements that could be made if teachers were given the respect they deserved.

Step 1: We acknowledge that teachers are well-educated professionals that essentially create all other professions

Everyone recognizes that teaching is hard, and that educators are skilled professionals who are knowledgeable about content, learning strategies, and interpersonal skills. Instead of throwing doubt and blame at teachers, society respects the individuals who are responsible for the education of the next generation.

Step 2: Teachers are compensated as the competent experts that they are

Salaries rise dramatically in order to compensate these well-educated, multi-degreed professionals. And they even get consistent and significant raises for their dedication and impactful work.

Step 3: A higher number of talented educators enter the field of teaching

A role where people are respected and paid well? Count us in! Becoming a teacher shifts from being a sacrifice to a viable career option, and we see an influx of motivated, intelligent leaders in schools everywhere.

Step 4: An increase in teachers means a decrease in class sizes and workload

Every classroom has a manageable student-teacher ratio, and every teacher has more time to devote to their kids and their classes. Teachers are also given fewer preps, instead of teaching five completely different classes to groups of 30+ students.

Step 5: With more qualified staff to share responsibility, teacher stress drops dramatically

Instead of relying on nights and weekends to complete all necessary work, teachers have ample time built into their workday for planning, grading, and meetings. Now that they get enough rest, these calm and passionate teachers set the tone for their calm and passionate classrooms.

Step 6: Less stress and fewer responsibilities allow teachers to be their best selves for their students

Teachers are encouraged to give every single student the academic and emotional education that they need. Relationships strengthen, trust builds, and kids of all ages are part of learning communities that are built to meet their needs.

Step 7: With all of the individualized attention, students grow academically and personally

In these manageable classrooms focused on individualized instruction, students make significant progress as they learn to become better students and better human beings. Instead of emphasizing standardized testing, schools recognize that students can show what they know in a multitude of ways. 

Step 8: Student success encourages more (and equal) school funding

All of this incredible achievement gives everyone yet another reminder of how crucial education is, and more money is allocated to every single school. In addition to paying teachers a higher salary, schools also take full responsibility for funding a classroom that truly facilitates learning. And, since teachers are respected and their opinions are valued, they get to choose what that means.

Step 9. Teachers enjoy being teachers again, their mental health improves, and fewer leave the profession every year

Teachers feel respected: Every. Single. Day. Not because there’s a teacher appreciation week, not because teachers can wear jeans on Fridays, and not because admin vaguely encourages teachers to focus on their mental health. By this point, it has become an obvious fact that teachers, without question, deserve to be respected.

Step 10: The world becomes a better place

Every single child grows up to be a happier, healthier, and well-educated, well-rounded adult. We are constantly reminded that education can change everything. And we see that it does.

Teaching matters. It’s why so many teachers have stayed in the field despite the lack of respect, the low pay, and the unrealistic expectations. We know that what we do changes lives. And with more respect, we could make even greater change.

Reference: https://www.boredteachers.com/post/if-we-actually-respected-teachers?fbclid=IwAR0Y93qsdwgd6uL16HCZ1EkKrQ4t18YHdHIdbpaaSwNYrk5SF-OUfaeGptU