The Importance of Asking Questions

On the first day of class, we talked about the way that asking questions helps people grow as readers, writers, and thinkers.

In fact, asking a clever or inspiring question can be more important than answering the question -- this is especially true since many of the questions we will ask and discuss this year do not have a single “correct” answer.

There are many types of questions.

We talked about the difference between explicit questions and deep questions. I challenged the students to work on asking deep questions that make us think and wonder.

The students responded to our discussion by asking some terrific questions about a photograph showing statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. Here are some examples from Jacob, Hunter, Henry, Ellie, Pete, Can, Chaney, Oscar, Sam, Landon, Phoebe, Jack, Alex B., and Carson.

Explicit Questions:

- What religion is this picture from, and where is this religion mainly followed?

- Are all of these gods and goddesses part of the same family?

- Why are the gods wearing golden hats?

- Do the followers of this religion think these gods are mortal or immortal?

Deep Questions:

- In this religion, why are some of the gods and goddesses different/unusual colors?

- Why did the people in this religion choose an elephant as one of their gods, and why is the elephant god sitting down? Why does he have some human characteristics and features?

- Why does a person choose to follow/worship a certain god or goddess?

- How do these gods feel about being gods? Do they like all the responsibility? Would they rather be a king or a god?

- In this religion, why do people believe in so many gods and goddesses?

- Why do gods help humanity?