Updated August 17, 2007

Curriculum Corner by Robyne D. Batson

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Compiled by Robyne D. Batson

 

An Essential Question is

· an arguable, recurring, and thought-provoking question that will guide inquiry and point toward big ideas.

· The essence of what students should examine and know in a course of study.

· Probes what is important to teach and thus emphasizes inquiry and investigation instead of objectives

· Helps to organize by providing a backbone and reference points

· A creative choice that transforms the search for knowledge.

· Declares the intent or the focus of the learning.

· Serves as the scope and sequence—a logical pattern of investigation as the students progress through their educational journey.

· Are open-ended and resist a simple or single right answer.

· Are deliberately thought provoking counterintuitive, and/or controversial

· Require students to draw upon content knowledge and personal experience.

· Can be revisited throughout the unit to engage students in evolving dialogue and debate

· Lead to other essential questions posed by students. 

 

 

Return to Curriculum