1.1: Introduction to Essential Questions Mini-Lesson
Learning Objective
Participants will listen to a mini-lesson conducted by the instructor, complete the Lesson 1.1 Slide of their Essential Question Workbook, and read scholarly texts on the principles of inquiry-based pedagogy.
Engage
Imagine that you are a middle or high school student and your teacher is introducing a new unit to you. The unit is titled "Dystopia Unit" and, predictably, the first sub-section of the unit is "Pre-Reading Activities".
NOW... imagine this. This same teacher has completed the Essential Question Mini-Course you are about to embark upon. The new unit presented to the high school student in the above scenario is now titled: "To what extent is my society different from a dystopian society?"
If the second title of the unit has the inner child in you feeling more engaged, you are already witnessing the power of an Essential Question.
Learn
Step 1: Instructor-Recorded Video
- Please start this unit by watching the mini-lesson linked below. This is an informational mini-lesson recorded by me (your instructor) and should assist you in formulating an understanding of what exactly essential questions are.
- As you watch the video, interact/record notes when instructed on the Lesson 1.1 slide of your virtual workbook.
Mini-Lesson #1: Buying Into Essential Questions
Step 2: Additional Readings
- Read What is an Essential Question? Article by Grant Wiggins to explore the historical definition of essential questions and to review a synthesis of inquiry-based pedagogical research.
Recommended Outside Readings:
- Essential Questions: Opening Doors to Student Understandings Jay McTighe & Grant Wiggins
Practice
Use this Google Form to check your understanding.
Apply
Post your reflection on the Lesson 1 Reflection Jamboard slide by clicking here.
Continue to Unit 2: The Three Pillars of Essential Questions
Return back to: