Question-Based Learning

Guest Post by: Natasha Wunderlich

Questions are an important part of learning. Parents often despair of hearing the question “Why?” It comes out of young children’s mouths a lot. Sometimes the questions are asked because they want attention; sometimes questions are asked because they want answers and are curious. Kids, being the tricksters that they are, sometimes even ask the question to see if parents will answer the same way all the time.

From the time they turn two until about five, kids ask “Why?” It seems that after they turn five, the incidence of “why” questions decrease a lot. Then they simply stop.  Some of the decrease can be attributed to schooling. As children grow and attend school, more of their questions are asked and answered at school and less by parents; parents stop hearing the questions and answers. Also, schools aren’t set up to encourage children to ask why. They are set up to encourage children to learn the material and to ask why only in the context of certain material – not simply ask why in general.

I made myself a promise that I would answer all of Nicholas’ questions. Sometimes the answer is simple and sometimes it is not. When he asks why the sky is blue, I give him the real answer. I explain about light and reflection and particles and wave lengths. How much of it he absorbs I don’t know, but I do explain. When he asks why planes fly, I explain Bernoulli’s principle and lift.  When he asks me why cows make milk when they eat grass I tell him that I don’t know and we will have to look it up. The new use the computer and look it up. He learns through his questions. This is our form of question-based learning.

This form of question-based learning also encourages him to continue to explore and ask why. I don’t want him to stop asking why. Why questions are the questions that allow you to explore the world and develop a sense of what is around you. Why questions help develop a sense of wonder and exploration. Why questions have led to the greatest discoveries. How would gravity, electricity, or the computer have been discovered if people hadn’t asked why or developed a sense of exploration?

Question-based learning can also occur when someone asks you for an explanation. Instead of giving the explanation, ask what your child thinks. When your child asks, “Why is the cement truck there,” ask them, “What do you think a cement truck might be doing there?”  This type of questioning will encourage them to use their imaginations and link things they already know with things they are seeing. It will encourage them to explore the world they have heard about and know about (in their minds) with the world they can see in reality. It helps them make connections and problem solve.

Questions are great things. While they can get tiring – especially when it is the same question, over and over – they are really a sign that a child is learning and ready for more information. Parents should take these opportunities to help their children learn. Remember, “I don’t know, let’s look it up” it always an acceptable answer. Looking up an answer will develop a bond between you and your child and will help develop reading and research skills. Plus, it can be a lot of fun.

Questions are amazing opportunities.

Natasha Wunderlich

I’m a homeschooling mom who made the choice to homeschool because I saw how rigid schools were and noticed how fluid my son’s learning style was and how hands-on his learning style was. We have been at it for over 2 years now (we started when he was 2) and are enjoying our time together. Learning and teaching has brought us closer together as a family. I do believe in structure and lessons, not simply free form schooling, but those lessons are child-centered and directed by his interested. We are moving on through Kindergarten and 1st Grade material now, and watching him learn and grow is awesome. You can find me on: www.wunderfulhomeschool.wordpress.com

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