As parents and educators, we know the importance of encouraging curiosity in children. One of the most effective ways to do this is through learning by asking questions. When students actively ask their own questions, they take ownership of their education, develop problem-solving skills, and grow into independent thinkers. This blog will explore why learning by asking questions is key to deeper learning and how to foster this skill in your child.
Moving Beyond “I Don’t Know” to Learning by Asking Questions
When faced with a challenging topic, students often say, “I don’t know.” This response is a natural reaction to confusion, but it halts learning before it begins. By shifting their mindset to learning by asking questions, we encourage students to explore what they don’t understand. Instead of stopping at “I don’t know,” they begin to ask:
- “What part doesn’t make sense?”
- “What have I learned before that connects to this?”
For some children, especially those who struggle with reading, the challenge of just decoding the words on the page can make it even harder to engage with the material. If your child finds reading difficult, asking questions can feel daunting because they’re still trying to make sense of the text. When children struggle to read, it’s important to focus on building their foundational reading skills. I’ve written a blog post on how to help struggling readers using the Reading Simplified approach, which provides simple strategies to boost reading confidence and fluency. You can find it [here].
By helping children overcome their reading struggles, we can open the door to more meaningful engagement and foster the habit of learning by asking questions. These kinds of questions help students move from confusion to curiosity. Learning by asking questions not only deepens engagement with the material but also builds confidence to face challenges head-on.
The Power of Asking Questions in Learning
One of the most powerful tools a child can develop is the ability to ask their own questions. In the process of learning by asking questions, students become more engaged and start noticing nuances within the topic. This deeper engagement helps them relate new information to prior knowledge, making learning more meaningful.
Questions like:
- “Why did this character act this way?”
- “How are these ideas connected?”
- “What does this term mean in this context?”
These questions show that students are not passively absorbing information. Instead, they are actively engaging with it. As they practice learning by asking questions, students develop critical thinking skills and a curiosity that drives them to explore further.
Creating Independent Thinkers Through Learning by Asking Questions
A significant benefit of learning by asking questions is that it fosters independence in learning. Instead of relying on pre-constructed worksheets or guided discussions, students learn to discover answers for themselves. Open-ended questions like:
- “Why did this happen?”
- “What could be different if…?”
- “How could I approach this from another angle?”
help students explore the material on their own terms. By encouraging them to take charge of their learning, we help them become creative thinkers. As students practice learning by asking questions, they take ownership of the learning process and develop the ability to explore topics beyond the surface level.
Assessing Growth: What to Look for in Writing and Discussion
When assessing growth in learning by asking questions, it’s important to observe both written work and verbal discussions. Here are some ways to assess how well your child or student is growing in their ability to ask meaningful questions:
- In Discussions: Listen for follow-up questions or expressions of curiosity beyond the teacher’s prompts. Do students make connections between the lesson and personal experiences? Do they use phrases like “I wonder why…” or “This reminds me of…”?
- In Writing: Look for evidence of deeper thinking in written reflections or assignments. Are students asking complex questions like “Why did this event occur?” or “What would happen if…?” instead of just focusing on facts? Encourage students to write questions that show curiosity and reflect on their understanding.
- Reflecting on Their Learning: Students should be able to express how asking questions has helped them deepen their understanding. Do they identify areas they are curious about or confused by? Asking reflective questions is a key indicator that students are climbing to the next level in their learning process.
From Curiosity to Conclusion: The Next Step in Learning by Asking Questions
Learning by asking questions leads students to more than just answers—it leads them to form conclusions based on their own exploration. This can be applied across all subjects. For example:
- In science, students might ask, “Why does this reaction occur?” or “What would change if we altered this variable?”
- In math, they could ask, “What does this formula help us understand about the world?”
- In history, they might question the motivations behind events, asking, “Why did this leader make that decision?”
By practicing learning by asking questions, students are equipped to not just gather information, but also understand and apply it in real-world contexts.
Fostering a Love for Learning by Asking Questions
Ultimately, learning by asking questions encourages students to take ownership of their education. Here are some tips to foster this habit in your child:
- Create a Question-Friendly Environment: Let children know that no question is a bad question. Encourage them to ask anything they’re curious about.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of giving answers, respond with questions like “Why do you think that happened?” or “How could you solve that problem?”
- Encourage Curiosity Beyond Books: Ask children to make observations during everyday activities and form questions based on what they see. For example, “Why do you think this plant grows better in the sun?”
- Model Questioning: Show your own curiosity by asking questions out loud and sharing your thought process. This teaches children that everyone, even adults, is constantly learning.
Conclusion: Let Learning by Asking Questions Guide the Way
Learning should go beyond following a prescribed path. Learning by asking questions empowers students to think critically, make connections, and grow into independent learners. The next time your child faces a challenge, ask them: “What questions do you have about this?” This simple prompt can lead to a deeper, more meaningful learning experience.
Final Reflection
How can you encourage your child to embrace learning by asking questions today? Share your experiences with me on Instagram @audrey.tutors.reading, and let’s continue to foster a community of curious, independent learners!