Instead of only teaching students answers, we should teach them how to ask meaningful questions. Curiosity fuels learning, and great questions lead to deeper understanding.
Why It Matters:
Well-asked questions spark discovery, challenge assumptions, and build lifelong thinking skills. Students who learn to question become active, engaged learners.
What Makes a Good Question?
Open-ended
Thought-provoking
Linked to prior knowledge
Focused on exploration, not just facts
Teaching Strategies:
Use QFT (Question Formulation Technique)
Start with inquiry prompts
Create “wonder walls” or journals
Think aloud to model curiosity
Practice Socratic questioning
Build a Question-Friendly Culture:
Value questions as much as answers. Celebrate curiosity and make space for uncertainty.
Student Benefits:
More engagement and ownership
Better critical thinking and problem-solving
Confidence to explore and lead discussions
Conclusion:
Teaching students to ask good questions helps them navigate a complex world not by knowing everything, but by knowing what to ask and how to seek answers.