Essence of Question and Answers in Learning

Posted by Aashish Ahuja on July 25th, 2018

It happens to everybody, in fact, the more appropriate statement is that everybody does this. We bought a computer but didn’t care to read the instructions manual. The same case happens when we bought a new car, toaster or some software. We only care to see inside any instruction manual when we don’t understand the certain functionality of the product. This pattern is true for most of us and there still are people who prefer to read the instruction book but they are the minority case. This so commonly occurring pattern can be used to deduce a conclusion that until we have a question we couldn't care less for the answer. The more compelling the question the greater is the quest to find the answer. Questions help us in learning.

The quest to know

Almost all the classrooms ignore this basic learning model. Students come in and the teacher starts showering the information and then begins the cycle of quizzes, tests and discussions. Many students don’t learn from this methodology because it is hard to interpret and make sense of the information in the absence of proper direction which in this case is a question. All these lessons, units and chapters can simply be made more interesting by adding a question first from the daily life when the chapter begins.

Questions help in increasing the cognitive organization because students now understand better why they are learning whatsoever they are learning. Now there is a catch in putting questions before the chapter. These questions must be according to the age of the students and must be connected to the learning activities given inside the chapter. These questions have to be compelling enough in order to generate the curiosity of learning among the students. Questions must compel the students to read the chapter on their own and this will help in developing the ability of self-learning. This method of learning if further motivated by today’s technology. With a school management software, Teachers allot assignments to students online before beginning a new chapter in class. Many schools are now adopting this software and motivating students to learn on their own.

Few questions to motivate the learning in students

Finding questions this powerful can be very difficult which contain so much within them but, they are not totally impossible to say. Below are samples of some questions which carry the qualities we have been talking for quite some time.

Maths (Middle School)- What does algebra have in common with Martin Luther King?

Both are focused on equality.

First grade particle science- What is the smallest thing which you can hold in your hand?

History class studying pilgrims- Is there anything that your parents can do to you that would compel you to run away from home?

Elementary English- What could be the best name of the book about your life?

Geography- Why the soil of Israel is more fertile than other middle-east countries sharing the same desert? (There are more trees to hold the soil)

Physical education (Eight grade)- Why a soccer ball is hard to control inside gym than on football field? (Friction)

Such question can be designed by the teachers before they begin the lesson and if we observe carefully the world is full of interesting phenomenon and we can pick anyone according to grade of the class. Create enquiry based education not collection based.