The Edutopia article “I Wonder’ Questions: Harnessing the Power of Inquiry” explores how teachers at Crellin Elementary School use students’ spontaneous questions—called “I wonder” questions—to drive inquiry-based learning in the classroom. Rather than dismissing or sidelining off-topic or curious questions, teachers actively record these wonderings using various methods such as journals, sticky notes, or classroom boards, and then revisit them to inform lesson planning and projects. This approach allows educators to harness students’ natural curiosity, address misconceptions, and tailor instruction to student interests, making learning more meaningful and engaging. The article provides practical strategies for collecting and leveraging student questions, offers real classroom examples, and emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of curiosity. It also includes links to additional resources and rubrics for inquiry-based learning, making it a comprehensive guide for educators seeking to implement or deepen inquiry-driven teaching practices.
https://www.edutopia.org/practice/i-wonder-questions-harnessing-power-inquiry