Dr. Jeanne L. Paynter, Educating Innovators
What if there were one simple question you could ask learners to engage their creative energy and deepen conceptual learning? There is.
You have the most powerful learning tool at your disposal, right now, with no cost or computer necessary. Proven for cognitive and social/emotional development, it’s the question. Questions are the most natural and effective stimulus for thinking and learning.
We just need to ask the right questions.
No one asks children more questions per diem than teachers and parents. Typically, these questions are focused on eliciting factual information, “Did you clean your room?” or leading learners to the correct conclusion, “What are the steps in photosynthesis?” These are convergent questions, and they have their place in directing learners to narrow down possibilities.
In contrast, open-ended, or divergent questions, stimulate curiosity, creativity, insight, metacognition, empathy—the aptitudes of innovators! Open-ended questions encourage student engagement, and what we call “higher level thinking.” That’s a goal we have for all learners in the innovation-literate classroom.
The What If? Question
One open-ended questioning strategy we probably already know but can use more intentionally is the What If? question. Here is an example I found from a science lesson on the concept of inertia, or Newton’s First Law*.
- ”What if the Earth stopped spinning for just one second?”
This question sparks interest, but also models an essential tool scientists use called counterfactual thinking, the process of imagining alternative outcomes; of pondering the possibilities. The What If? question can be used to introduce a new concept inductively, like inertia, or as an application or assessment of student understanding. Once you see the power of the right question, you will never stop at “What is Newton’s First Law?” again.
Don't Stop There. Supercharge It!
What if you could supercharge the cognitive and psychosocial impact of the What If? question? Go for the Trifecta! Foster engagement, develop conceptional understanding, and explicitly target creative problem solving (innovators') competencies. All three powerful outcomes occur when you embed your question in a transformed goal aimed at, not just content acquisition, but the long term aim of educating innovators. I call this technique, "talent goals." (For more about talent-targeted teaching, click here).
In this talent goal, I will make curiosity the lesson target for exploring, the What If? question aimed at conceptual content. (Creativity also works well here).
- Today we will use our curiosity to explore this question: "What if the Earth stopped spinning for just one second?”
Do you see how explicitly targeting in your goal an aptitude of innovators like curiosity engages students with a personal purpose for learning? I am being curious. Talent goals develop student efficacy (confidence) and agency (independence).
Define the Aptitudes
One more thing: Be sure that you define the aptitude for students before you make it the goal. The Talent Aptitude Posters are useful for this, or use the Student-Directed Goals on p. 57 of my book, Teach to Develop Talent. Here is the Student-Directed Goal for curiosity:
- I am curious. I am open to explore new ideas and experiences, ask thoughtful questions, observe, and investigate.
Your Turn
Go for the Trifecta! In what ways might you ask a What If? question tomorrow? Use it to engage students and teach the content while you target a cognitive competency of innovators such as curiosity or creativity! "Use your curiosity to... Complete the statement with your content focus!
I would love to hear from you,
Dr. Jeanne L. Paynter, jeanne@educateinnovators.com
*Reference: The Science of What If?