Teacher questions

In the early stages of the inquiry, consider ways to engage the minds of students with new concepts and ways of thinking. This may be accomplished through asking divergent questions, posing challenges or presenting new experiences for learners. This portion of the planner and planning process is a space for teachers to craft questions that may help students begin to access current understanding and begin to discover new ways of thinking.

Additionally, provocations are intended to create a disequilibrium or interruption in student thinking and immerse them in an experience to help them uncover the importance of the inquiry. Reflections from the provocation experience can also serve as a way of knowing about student prior knowledge coming into the unit.

Provocations can be powerful, common learning experiences in which students and teachers can revisit throughout the scope of the inquiry. An effective provocation can create a sense of urgency and excitement for learning and inquiring.