to tap into their highest level of thinking . This creates an environment where even a simple question can unlock a meaningful conversation .
Teachers need to create climates of comfort and safety when asking questions . Without comfort , an unwillingness to be vulnerable exists . According to Marquardt ( 2014 ), there are six hallmarks that create a questioning culture :
• Willingness to admit , “ I don ’ t know .”
• Going beyond allowing questions to encouraging questions , developing the skills needed to ask questions in a positive way .
• Focusing on asking empowering questions and avoiding disempowering questions .
• Emphasizing the process of asking questions and searching for answers , rather than finding the “ right ” answers .
• Accepting and rewarding risk-taking .”
Disempowering questions teachers ask might include , 1 ) “ What ’ s the problem with your project ?” 2 ) “ Why are you late on finishing part two ?” 3 ) “ You should be working independently , why are you sharing your work with others ?” These examples create reaction and drain energy as opposed to enticing creativity .
Empowering questions teachers can ask include : 1 ) “ What are you most proud of so far in this project ?” 2 ) “ What is the outcome you are seeking for this project ?” 3 ) “ What barriers are you encountering ?” 4 ) “ What are your thoughts about solving these problems ?” 5 ) “ When you collaborated with a partner , what feedback were you given ?” 6 ) “ What are your next steps ?”
Asking the right questions can provide students with confidence . When they are asked empowering questions , they feel good about the work they are doing and feel encouraged to continue on .
When asking questions in a deliberate manner , students will feel empowered and be given the opportunity to critically think , without being spoon-fed the information . The result will be highlevel , globally competitive students who are able to think critically and solve difficult problems .
Critical thinking and creativity are essential for our students to become global competitors .
Resources
• Marquardt , M . J . ( 2014 ). “ Leading with Questions .” San Francisco , CA , Jossey-Bass .
• Gardner , H . ( 2008 ). “ 5 Minds for The Future .” Boston , Massachusetts . Harvard Business Press .
• Dweck , C . S . ( 2008 ). “ Mindset : The New Psychology of Success .” New York , Random House .
Kathy Nash obtained her doctorate of education in organizational leadership from Brandman University , where she is currently a dissertation committee member . She is principal of Terra Cotta Middle School in Lake Elsinore USD and a Middle Grades Principal of the Year for ACSA Region 12 .
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