I've got to ask better questions

After watching Chris Lehmann speak at the NECC conference about his schools (Science Leadership Academy) approach to teaching and learning, I have realised I need to ask better questions of my students more regularly.  He talks in his session about asking questions that we don’t know the answer to and allowing students to find their own answers. While I am aware of the importance of asking fertile questions I think I have fallen into the habit of not asking anywhere near enough of them.

I think the ‘googleable’ questions are much easier to ask and allow us to remain in control because we know what the answer should be and can lead our students to them. To ask questions that students are forced to interpret and think about can get ‘messy’ but opens the door for authentic learning and is something I think I need to refocus on.