Overview
This lecture explores the process of creating essential questions for lessons by unpacking educational standards and connecting them to meaningful, inquiry-driven learning experiences.
Steps to Creating Essential Questions
- Start by unpacking standards, focusing on nouns and adjectives, not just verbs.
- Verbs indicate the Bloom's taxonomy level, while nouns and adjectives reveal complexity.
- Nouns and adjectives help determine what students should understand, not just what actions they'll perform.
- Rewrite the standard in your own words to clarify its meaning and deepen understanding.
- Reference the prior and next grade level standards for context and progression.
Example 1: Argumentation Standard (English/Language Arts)
- Identify verbs: trace, evaluate; nouns: arguments, claims, reasoning, evidence.
- Big understanding: An argument is supported by logical claims and relevant, sufficient evidence.
- Essential questions should be broad and revisited often, e.g., "How do we argue to win?" or "What does it mean to be a lawyer?"
- Essential questions should provoke inquiry and real-world connections (e.g., mock trials).
Example 2: Angle Measurement Standard (Math)
- Focus on nouns/adjectives: unknown angles, diagrams, real world and mathematical problems.
- Big understanding: Angles (90°, 180°, 360°) can be found using addition and subtraction, starting with simpler to more complex cases.
- Include real-world applications and diagrams to support understanding.
- Sample essential questions: "How do quilters figure out how to fit strange shapes together?" "Why are there 360 degrees in a circle?" "What do degree measurements help us do?"
Key Terms & Definitions
- Unpacking Standards — Analyzing standards by breaking down verbs, nouns, and adjectives to understand desired learning outcomes.
- Big Understanding — A rephrased, concise explanation of the core concept within a standard.
- Essential Question — Broad, foundational questions designed to drive inquiry and connect learning to real-world contexts.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice unpacking a current standard using nouns, adjectives, and verbs.
- Rewrite a standard in your own words to clarify its big understanding.
- Develop at least two essential questions for your chosen standard, aiming for real-world relevance and inquiry.