How should we foster question asking instead of answer getting?

Ah, great question! Since I spend my days in school, I’ll consider it at the school level. Actually, just a string of random thoughts on the topic.

If we can make school a place that values questions more than having all the right answers, then eventually the world will be a safer and more peaceful place.

Autonomy, purpose and mastery–those are the things that motivate us. Not, worksheets with right answers. Students need to be invited to question and explore that which matters to them. They should be allowed to produce and create that which matters to them. Valuing questions will lead to less fearful and disengaged know-it-alls.

The cure for boredom is curiosity. The cure for curiosity is worksheets.

— Alfie Kohn (@alfiekohn) January 22, 2015