BLC17

What is the simplest, most transformative learning technology that is freely available to all? A
question. When students and adults learn how to ask their own questions, they move from
passive recipients of information to curious seekers of knowledge, more skillful problem-solvers
and independent thinkers. Yet it is rare that this essential skill of question formulation is
deliberately taught. Even when questioning is encouraged and valued, it can feel like “pulling
teeth” to get all students asking their own questions. But, it is possible to move quickly and
deliberately into student-centered questioning that effectively nurtures curiosity and
sophisticated thinking. This session will introduce the Question Formulation Technique (QFT),
simple yet powerful strategy to teach students to produce their own questions, improve them, and
strategize on how to use them. The art of asking good questions may be the most important
learning technology we could share with students. Let’s democratize access to that ability with a
simple process that ensures all students learn to ask their own questions.
Learning Objectives 
Learning Objective 1: Unpack how the technology of question asking can be democratized and
taught to effectively spark and sustain students’ engagement and curiosity.
Learning Objective 2: Actively learn the QFT to teach students how to produce, improve, and
strategize on how to use their questions. 
Learning Objective 3: Identify ways the QFT can be immediately implemented and strategize the
next steps for how student questions will be used for deeper learning.