Lifelong Learning!
It’s as simple as asking “good” questions to learn.
In my February article for the Laker, I shared some thoughts and ideas on how we can all ignite learning through participation and engagement. However, how do we sustain these beyond the classroom? The answer: Good Questions!
We all have questions. Teachers ask questions, children ask questions, and parents ask questions. Questions foster conversation, which helps to engage the brain, and subsequently increases the thirst for finding answers. Yet, obtaining solid, viable answers can be difficult at times. Searching the internet, of course, can yield an array of information. But what information is reliable? What information is thorough? What information is accurate? Without discussing “false news” or other “conspiracy angles,” think about posing good questions to learn about life both in and out of the classroom.
The fact of the matter is that asking good questions is an important skill for all people to learn and stay engaged. In fact, in their pamphlet “What Makes a Good Question,” the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides a wonderful guide for us and simply states that good questions are open-ended, thought-provoking, and clear. Of course, they should also be age-appropriate.
So whether you are asking about lessons learned in school, learning new content and skills for yourself, having impromptu discussions on the weekend, or supporting learners at home, think about how you can ask good questions. Engage one another in conversation and then keep asking questions, listen, and learn!
~Mike Ling, Curriculum Director
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