Why do we put Essential Questions on the board? Is it to make our school districts happy or is there another purpose?
What is an Essential Question?
An essential question is a broad, open-ended inquiry that provokes deep thought and exploration. It's not a question with a single right answer but it serves as a catalyst for discussion.
Why write it (them) on the board?
"What are we doing in class today?"
How many times do students enter your classroom with that question? How do you answer them?
- When students see the Essential Question prominently displayed, it provides a clear sense of direction. They understand what they'll be working on and the "why" behind the lesson.
- Essential Questions spark curiosity and invite students to make connections to the material and to their own lives. Good Essential Questions should spark critical thinking.
- Essential Questions push students beyond memorization and recall. They promote the analysis and synthesis of information.
- Knowing to look for the question daily (remind them to look at that spot on the board first, and review it with students so that they become more active participants in their learning.
Here are some tips that have helped me write stronger questions
- Keep them open-ended
- Make them thought-provoking
- Connect them to real-world issues and even student interests.
- Make sure they align with your learning goals
- Use "how" and "why" more often than "what" questions
Here are some examples of ones I've used in classrooms and in resources I've created.
- How do authors use dialogue to reveal character traits?
- In what way does social media shape our understanding of the world?
- How does conflict shape character development?
What are your experiences with using essential questions in your classroom? Share your tips for teachers in the comments below!
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