Answers which require thought

Try to assess the following questions. For each type of question, make a note of what you think the strengths and weaknesses might be in terms of eliciting student responses.

Pause before moving on to consider our thoughts. Our thoughts: Students often avoid answering closed questions as they do not wish to look foolish if wrong, smug if correct or because it is not a very interesting thing to do.

Often only the same few students answer closed questions and it rarely provides an opportunity to discuss answers. Our thoughts: These questions respect students' intelligence and may encourage a response as there is less risk of being seen to be 'wrong'.

But students might require a little time or private discussion before they are willing to offer an answer in public. Example: "If the Saxons had won the Battle of Hastings, instead of the Normans, what might the consequences for the future of England have been? Our thoughts: This is an excellent type of question for eliciting student involvement.

One of the most important characteristics of good questions is that they prompt more thinking, not just an answer. Example: "Why did the Normans win the Battle of Hastings? Our thoughts: This is a particularly stupid game some teachers play in which the question is posed in such a way that no one could know the answer as only the teacher knows which answer is wanted.

Students who are prepared to join in the game can only guess, and they can only feel foolish if they guess wrongly. Do we really have good answers to these questions? Question: How does curiosity fit in with critical thinking? Paul: To flourish, curiosity must evolve into disciplined inquiry and reflection.

Left to itself it will soar like a kite without a tail, that is, right into the ground! Intellectual curiosity is an important trait of mind, but it requires a family of other traits to fulfill it. It requires intellectual humility, intellectual courage, intellectual integrity, intellectual perseverance, and faith in reason.

After all, intellectual curiosity is not a thing in itself — valuable in itself and for itself. It is valuable because it can lead to knowledge, understanding, and insight; because it can help broaden, deepen, sharpen our minds, making us better, more humane, more richly endowed persons. To reach these ends, the mind must be more than curious, it must be willing to work, willing to suffer through confusion and frustration, willing to face limitations and overcome obstacles, open to the views of others, and willing to entertain ideas that many people find threatening.

That is, there is no point in our trying to model and encourage curiosity, if we are not willing to foster an environment in which the minds of our students can learn the value and pain of hard intellectual work.

We do our students a disservice if we imply that all we need is unbridled curiosity, that with it alone knowledge comes to us with blissful ease in an atmosphere of fun, fun, fun. What good is curiosity if we don't know what to do next or how to satisfy it? We can create the environment necessary to the discipline, power, joy, and work of critical thinking only by modeling it before and with our students.

They must see our minds at work. Our minds must stimulate theirs with questions and yet further question; questions that probe information and experience; questions that call for reasons and evidence; questions that lead students to examine interpretations and conclusions, pursuing their basis in fact and experience; questions that help students to discover their assumptions, questions that stimulate students to follow out the implications of their thought, to test their ideas, to take their ideas apart, to challenge their ideas, to take their ideas seriously.

It is in the totality of this intellectually rigorous atmosphere that natural curiosity thrives. Question: It is important for our students to be productive members of the work-force. How can schools better prepare students to meet these challenges? Paul: The fundamental characteristic of the world students now enter is ever-accelerating change; a world in which information is multiplying even as it is swiftly becoming obsolete and out of date; a world in which ideas are continually restructured, retested, and rethought; where one cannot survive with simply one way of thinking; where one must continually adapt one's thinking to the thinking of others; where one must respect the need for accuracy and precision and meticulousness; a world in which job skills must continually be upgraded and perfected — even transformed.

We have never had to face such a world before. Education has never before had to prepare students for such dynamic flux, unpredictability, and complexity for such ferment, tumult, and disarray. Are we willing to fundamentally rethink our methods of teaching? Are we willing to learn new concepts and ideas? Are we willing to learn a new sense of discipline as we teach it to our students?

Are we willing to bring new rigor to our own thinking in order to help our students bring that same rigor to theirs? Are we willing, in short, to become critical thinkers so that we might be an example of what our students must internalize and become?

These are profound challenges to the profession. They call upon us to do what no previous generation of teachers was ever called upon to do. Those of us willing to pay the price will yet have to teach side by side with teachers unwilling to pay the price.

This will make our job even more difficult, but not less exciting, not less important, not less rewarding. Critical thinking is the heart of well-conceived educational reform and restructuring, because it is at the heart of the changes of the 21st Century. Let us hope that enough of us will have the fortitude and vision to grasp this reality and transform our lives and our schools accordingly. Question: National standards will result in national accountability.

What is your vision for the future? Paul: Most of the national assessment we have done thus far is based on lower-order learning and thinking. It has focused on what might be called surface knowledge.

It has rewarded the kind of thinking that lends itself to multiple choice machine-graded assessment. We now recognize that the assessment of the future must focus on higher — not lower — order thinking; that it must assess more reasoning than recall; that it must assess authentic performances, students engaged in bona fide intellectual work.

Our problem is in designing and implementing such assessment. Department of Education, a model for the national assessment of higher order thinking. At a follow-up meeting of critical thinking's problem-solving, communication, and testing scholars and practitioners, it was almost unanimously agreed that it is possible to assess higher-order thinking on a national scale.

It was clear from the commitments of the departments of Education, Labor, and Commerce that such an assessment is in the cards. The fact is, we must have standards and assessment strategies for higher-order thinking for a number of reasons. First, assessment and accountability are here to stay.

The public will not accept less. Second, what is not assessed is not, on the whole, taught. Fourth, higher-order thinking, critical thinking abilities, are increasingly crucial to success in every domain of personal and professional life. Fifth, critical thinking research is making the cultivation and assessment of higher-order thinking do-able. The road will not be easy, but if we take the knowledge, understanding, and insights we have gained about critical thinking over the last twelve years, there is much that we could do in assessment that we haven't yet done — at the level of the individual classroom teacher, at the level of the school system, at the level of the state, and at the national level.

Of course, we want to do this in such a way as not to commit the "Harvard Fallacy;" the mistaken notion that because graduates from Harvard are very successful, that the teaching at Harvard necessarily had something to do with it.

It may be that the best prepared and well-connected students coming out of high school are going to end up as the best who graduate from college, no matter what college they attend. We need to focus our assessment, in other words, on how much value has been added by an institution. We need to know where students stood at the beginning, to assess the instruction they received on their way from the beginning to the end. By contrast, to closed questions, open questions allow for much longer responses and therefore potentially more creativity and information.

There are lots of different types of open question; some are more closed than others! In a very subtle way it raises the prospect that maybe they are not finding the new system so good. Children are particularly susceptible to leading questions and are more likely to take the lead for an answer from an adult. This requires the respondent to recall some information from memory, a fact. Politicians, lecturers, priests and others may use rhetorical questions when addressing large audiences to help keep attention.

I try to not hold grudges because holding on to hurt only negatively affects my life. Even if someone does not deserve forgiveness, I forgive because I deserve to have the freedom from my mind. About a year ago there was a point when I questioned whether I could trust anyone around me or, for that matter, if anyone was a truly honest person. At that time, I felt like a had a severe misunderstanding about what life was about.

Though, because of that time, I now know that I just need to trust myself to make the right decisions when I am faced with any situation.

Same as — That I did not take a year off after college to experience the world. It makes it harder with the more responsibility in our lives. Uncontrollable laughter. I love it when something is so pee-your-pants funny that you can not control your laughter. To be surrounded by toxic people. I have many wonderful people in my life, but, there are a few who suck my spirit dry. It is too difficult to say since so many people have impacted me in different ways; my mother has taught me to have a work ethic, my husband showed me the importance of completing a task to the best of your ability instead of half-fasting it, my dad gave me a love of exploring, etc.

Though, I will say that finally being able to control my anxiety has had the GREATEST impact on my life and that was all about me saying enough was enough and working so hard for years to change my thought patterns.

It is still a work in progress, but life has never been happier. Yes, because I have worked my tail off to get where I am at. Our restaurant is successful, my blog is on the rise, my marriage is stable, I am fortunate enough to have amazing adventures, my spirituality is stronger and we live a comfortable life. I am extremely grateful. So much. A sense of pride and ownership. Strong friendships. Increased strength of character.

Boosted level of skill. The best days with my grandmother, my wedding day, the beautiful countries I have visited and amazing adventures I have had.

The fact that we have started to etch some significant time to travel, our restaurant has surpassed my initial goals and I have just received my first press pass to an event. I appreciate that I was able to share the amazing adventure of swimming with stingrays with my husband while we were traveling to Grand Cayman.

Need some travel inspiration? Read these top travel quotes and the ultimate Travel Bucket List for some insipiration. We all were at the hospital when my niece was born. My brother and his wife wanted to be parents so badly that it made the birth of their first child so precious. I hate to admit that the television is always on when I am home for background noise. Though, most of the time i am on my computer and not paying attention. I watch about hours per week, mostly reality shows.

I am always actively working towards my goals and believe that they are achievable, But, would benefit from more time. I know what steps I need to be taking, I just need to set aside the time to take them. I love every aspect of my job that promotes creativity.

This relates mostly to creating new recipes. After trying several different types of exercise I realized that I love yoga. Prior, I had always thought it would be way too slow for a fast-paced girl like me.

But, I now know that it is exactly what I need to balance my speedy life! This was stated in a book I was reading and referred to surrounding yourself with people who teach and inspire you. And that when you are in the constant presence of toxic people your personality, in some ways, emulates these people.

After taking an inventory, I believe this to be true and I took action, which is not so easy when some of the people closest to you are the ones hindering your growth. I have always preached that you should only take advice from people who have acquired what you want, but this took it one step further. Continue to train my mind to be present, positive and filled with gratitude. I know, corny. But, it works! Trusting myself to know that I can handle any situation that presents itself.

Honesty even when it hurts , humble nature and compatibility. Though I initially love it when friends always stick up for you, I respect it when they tell you when you are wrong. When I was at the pumpkin patch with my niece and she looked up at me with puppy-dog eyes because she wanted to hold my hand.

Melts my heart. Depends on why I am feeling down ;. Weird, but I mostly like to listen to Eminem when I feel like I need a motivational kick in the pants. I farted. Out loud. But, it happened while we were watching TV and we both were laughing until the point of tears. He threatened to put it in his Facebook status, but I threatened his life! When people defend themselves when they know they are wrong. Even though I have vowed to never let it hinder me traveling the world, it is painful every time I fly!

I was told that someone loved my blog , thought I was way younger than I am and that the dish I cooked was spectacular. Not all in the same day…damn. I think this is the first question I feel uncomfortable answering.

He turned out to be the nicest of everyone we met, shame on me! Crap…way to much! Definitely more than watching TV. Maybe 30, conservatively. But, I would like to defend myself by saying that most of the time it for blogging, marketing, networking, business and researching.

It is rare that I will be randomly surfing. Actually a lot of both, but my mom leads by a hair because I was raised with her. I have her crazy work ethic, love of anything Italian and definitely exhibit similar mannerisms. Trying hard to break it. Out of all the places I have been, I would say that Venice, Italy was love at first sight. I also adore any warm, blue beach. Is this intuition talking or fear? Is what you are doing right now making you happy?

Is chocolate really that bad for you? Depends on who you ask. We are all experts to someone, depending on the knowledge level of the person asking. Easily summer. I am always cold, so winter is a hard season for me. Though, I do enjoy cuddling on the couch during the cold weather.

I always wanted to live on a farm with one of each animal. I just had a dream that my husband was telling me his days itinerary. He was going to play basketball for an hour, then going to make homemade sausage with his friend, then they were going to play basketball again, then go back to the kitchen to make some cured meat. Unless, you are living in the wild, cheating is a choice. When I am not careful, I can be an obsessive thinker which leads me on a downward spiral of negative thoughts.

Never a good thing! I turn to my best girlfriend when I need relationship advice and my husband when it is just about anything else. Though, it was terrifying, it was also such a valuable lesson.

To buy a rental property right before the recession. Though, I believe that every decision we make creates a new path in our lives. I used to live for clothes shopping, but now I would rather go to a cool restaurant or sit at a coffee shop and blog. I was more than happy to set him straight. My Book: Bucket List Adventures. Nice Work! I've bookmarked this and plan to come back when my life normalizes after Christmas I work at FedEx and this time of year is ….

I enjoy doing them as a self-reflection of some sort, and you guys seemed to like my last post on it! Very intelligent list of questions. It makes me deeply think about my mistakes in the past and what I want going forward.

You seemed to have the world by the tail and have it all figured out. I think you can finish your bucket list and then some but you are still going to be searching. I want to ask you a thought provoking question… If you die today, where will you spend eternity? Heaven is on the top of my bucket list. What about you?

I spent a few days going through your questions and answers. They are genuinely thought-provoking and, most importantly, super inspirational. Your question and answers put me on the path of deep soul searching. I am so happy to hear that they have helped you and hope you get through these difficult times very soon. Previous Next.

When was the last time you tried something new? Who do you sometimes compare yourself to? What gets you excited about life? What life lesson did you learn the hard way? What do you wish you spent more time doing five years ago? Do you ask enough questions or do you settle for what you know? Who do you love and what are you doing about it? Thought provoking questions: What can you do today that you were not capable of a year ago?

Do you think crying is a sign of weakness or strength? What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you? Sell everything, travel the world and live in flip-flops, jeans and a tank top. Do you celebrate the things you do have?

What is the difference between living and existing? If not now, then when? It is now. If not, it is actively as soon as possible! Have you done anything lately worth remembering? What does your joy look like today? Is it possible to lie without saying a word?

If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow this person to be your friend? Thought provoking questions: Which activities make you lose track of time? If you had to teach something, what would you teach? What would you regret not fully doing, being or having in your life? Are you holding onto something that you need to let go of? When you are years-old, what will matter to you the most? When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards and just do what you know is right?

Would you break the law to save a loved one? What makes you smile? Thought provoking questions: If you had the opportunity to get a message across to a large group of people, what would your message be?

If the average human lifespan was 40 years, how would you live your life differently? What do we all have in common besides our genes that makes us human? If you could choose one book as a mandatory read for all high school students, which book would you choose? Would you rather have less work or more work you actually enjoy doing?

Both…I am a dreamer after all. What is important enough to go to war over? Protecting the people of our Country. Which is worse, failing or never trying? Of course never trying, because if you try you did not fail. When was the last time you listened to the sound of your own breathing? Thought provoking questions: Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? A joyful simpleton, because I have learned that ignorance is, most of the time, bliss.

What is the most desirable trait another person can possess? What are you most grateful for? That I have the capacity to learn and experience. Is stealing to feed a starving child wrong? What do you want most? Right now, to simplify my life and concentrate more on creating amazing experiences. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things? What has life taught you recently? What is the one thing you would most like to change about the world?

Where do you find inspiration? Thought provoking questions: Can you describe your life in a six word sentence? Filled with learning and new experiences. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

What impact do you want to leave on the world? What is the most defining moment of your life thus far? In the haste of your daily life, what are you not seeing? What lifts your spirits when life gets you down? Have you ever regretted something you did not say or do?

Has your greatest fear ever come true? Is it more important to love or be loved? To love, because then you have more of an opportunity to be loved back. If it all came back around to you, would it help you or hurt you? If you had the chance to go back in time and change one thing would you do it? Spend more time with my grandmother learning more about her childhood and Italian traditions. If a doctor gave you five years to live, what would you try to accomplish?

What is the difference between falling in love and being in love? Who do you think stands between you and happiness? What is the difference between innocence and ignorance?

What is the simplest truth you can express in words? Living in the present moment is the key to happiness. What gives your life meaning? Achievement, love, inspiration, learning and experience. Thought provoking questions: Can there be happiness without sadness? Pleasure without pain? Peace without war? That I lived life to the fullest, inspired others to do the same and was a good-spirited person.

Is there such a thing as perfect? To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken? What does it mean to be human? If you looked into the heart of your enemy, what do you think you would find that is different from what is in your own heart?

What do you love most about yourself? Where would you most like to go and why?