Tip: Curriculum-framing Questions (CFQs) > Essential Questions
SKU:
Like the spine or title of a book, essential questions are always broad, open-ended questions that address big ideas and enduring concepts, usually cross-curricular.
Essential questions help teachers:
- Focus on important topics in their year-long curriculum.
- Bring meaning across subject areas.
- Raise important questions across content areas.
- Center around major issues, problems, concerns, interests, or themes that occur in life and in other units of study.
Essential questions help learners:
- Bring meaning and focus to their studies.
- Make real-world connections.
- Promote #AuthenticLearning.
- Foster their imagination.
- Think, discuss, and research more deeply.
- Develop inquiry.
Examples (from Charlotte’s Web):
- How do friendships shape our lives and identities?
- What does it mean to be a true friend?
- How can words and communication impact others?
Adapted from: Curriculum-Framing Questions What Are They, and How Do They Help Teachers and Students? (2007). In Intel Education Initiative. Intel Education. https://hartvilletechspot.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/4/0/2540874/curriculum-framing_questions.pdf
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