How can we as teachers and learners return to our 4-year-old selves - "that fearless and imaginative questioner we all used to be" - when we're working with primary sources?
Warren Berger, a respected researcher who has been studying the art and science of questioning for three decades, writes that we can start, appropriately, by asking five questions:
- Am I willing to be seen as naive?
- Am I comfortable raising questions with no immediate answer?
- Am I willing to move away from what I know?
- Am I open to admitting I might be wrong?
- Am I willing to slow down and consider?
Pre K - 2 3 - 5 6 - 8 9 - 12 teaching strategies questioning skills Warren Berger
Comments displayed by creation date
Replies displayed by creation date
Replies displayed by creation date
Thank you, 
Mary Johnson
, for sharing this refreshing and relevant article on questioning skills.
I was reminded of an earlier post on "Magical Thinking and the LOC" and of the enjoyment and rewards which come from a willingness to just explore!
Love that quote,
Mary Johnson
! We were all so much more inquisitive BEFORE we started formal schooling--as sad commentary on traditional K-12 education!
Key to answering "Yes" to Berger's questions is that we feel safe and supported. It is vital that we, as teachers, create this type of classroom for our students so they can grow and learn to ask questions--all questions-- and never become disengaged in the learning process.
QuestionEverything SafeClassrooms Pre K - 2 3 - 5 6 - 8 9 - 12 13+
What a wonderful collection of questions,
Mary Johnson
. I will definitely be incorporating those.
Yes. Isn't it unfortunate that formal schooling tends to shut down our naturally inquisitive nature. I was just telling my undergraduate students this. And how they need to be careful to facilitate not shut down questioning in the classroom.
Testimonials
-
I love that there is new info on the site daily!
-
I had a wonderful time working with the Library of Congress and learning about all of the resources at my fingertips!
-
The TPS Teachers Network has an equal exchange of ideas. You know it's not a place where you're being judged.
-
My colleagues post incredibly fine resources and ideas....the caliber of the suggestions and resources make me feel that I take a lot from it. It's a takeaway. And I hope that I can give back as much as I get.
-
Going into this school year, I have a fantastic new resource for my own instruction and to share with my colleagues!
-
I am very glad that I discovered the TPS Teachers Network through RQI. Great resources can be hard to find out there on the internet!
