Essental Questions
What is YOUR Essential Question?
Have you told students? Part of AVID is unlocking the mysteries, intricacies, and not-so-transparent parts of education for students. But guess what, this isn't just great for AVID, it's best for ALL students. Too often as educators we are quick to get class started and make students dive into the material, but we miss an important step... we forget to answer the question, "What is the point?" for students. Sure, if they pay good enough attention, you would hope they can figure out the point, but it shouldn't be a secret!
Letting students get started without sharing the essential question, or objectives of the lesson, is like putting your pants on and THEN your underwear. Sure, it works, kind of. But it's not what's best. Don't wear your underwear outside your pants, instead, post, share, read, and allow students to write the EQ (Essential Question), or objectives before you get started.
Do you think you'll forget to do this? Use C-Notes... it's one of the first things you have to complete. Or, make it a student's job to ask or remind you every day!
Not only is it great to start your lesson with the EQ to remind BOTH you AND your students what the point of the lesson is, but it's great to go back to at the end of the period and use as:
Have you told students? Part of AVID is unlocking the mysteries, intricacies, and not-so-transparent parts of education for students. But guess what, this isn't just great for AVID, it's best for ALL students. Too often as educators we are quick to get class started and make students dive into the material, but we miss an important step... we forget to answer the question, "What is the point?" for students. Sure, if they pay good enough attention, you would hope they can figure out the point, but it shouldn't be a secret!
Letting students get started without sharing the essential question, or objectives of the lesson, is like putting your pants on and THEN your underwear. Sure, it works, kind of. But it's not what's best. Don't wear your underwear outside your pants, instead, post, share, read, and allow students to write the EQ (Essential Question), or objectives before you get started.
Do you think you'll forget to do this? Use C-Notes... it's one of the first things you have to complete. Or, make it a student's job to ask or remind you every day!
Not only is it great to start your lesson with the EQ to remind BOTH you AND your students what the point of the lesson is, but it's great to go back to at the end of the period and use as:
- an exit slip, or
- a quick reflection, or
- one of my personal favorites, a Fist-to-Five Check (See Below), or
- as the summary of your Cornell Note!
How to make an Essential Question...
Click here to check out this great ASCD resource with examples of Essential Questions in all different content areas, and differences between objectives or understandings, and essential questions! Or if you're not in the mood for an educational read, check out the video below...