What this unit is about

There is much discussion and research into the kinds of questions that teachers use in lessons to assist learning. Another important dimension to asking questions is to examine the kind of questions or statements that students ask. Encouraging students to ask questions about the world around them is part of stimulating students’ interest in science. Many students already ask a lot of questions, but they often ask them when their parents or you are very busy, so answering them is not always convenient. But if time is not given to students’ questions, there is a risk of stifling their interest in science.

This unit explores the kinds of questions or statements that students ask. It also looks at ways to handle such questions in order to provoke students’ interest and encourage them to ask more productive questions that lead to deeper understanding through investigations.