Curiosity Questions to Develop Growth Mindset

Children will listen to us AFTER they feel listened to. It's like a secret code to unlocking their potential. When students feel heard, they become more engaged, more open to learning, and more willing to embrace challenges.

Think of it this way: When we issue commands, deliver lectures, or resort to nagging, we unwittingly send signals to their brains, signals that trigger resistance. But when we pose respectful and authentic questions, we activate a different response – a curiosity to explore, reflect, and grow.

You see, the human brain is naturally wired for curiosity. When we encounter something intriguing or uncertain, our brains light up with excitement. We become eager learners, seeking answers, and embracing challenges.

Now, imagine harnessing this innate curiosity in our classrooms. By using curiosity questions strategically, we can trigger that same sense of wonder and drive in our students. Here's how it works:

When children hear a command, a lecture, or nagging, it often triggers resistance. It's like a mental shield goes up, blocking the path to learning. However, when we pose respectful and authentic questions, it sends a different signal to their brains. It invites them to reflect, to search for answers, and to engage actively in the learning process.

For instance, when a student makes a mistake, instead of jumping into criticism, we can ask curiosity questions like:

• "What happened?"

• "How do you feel about it?"

• "How do you think others feel?"

• "What ideas do you have to solve this problem?"

• "What might you do differently next time?"

• "How can we fix it?"

One of the most crucial skills that curiosity questions promote is active listening. When we ask questions and genuinely listen to our students' responses, we send a powerful message of respect. It tells them that their thoughts and perspectives are valued, encouraging them to express themselves more openly.

But don't stop at closed-ended questions. Open-ended questions are the real gems in the world of curiosity. They allow for deeper exploration and encourage critical thinking.

For instance, instead of immediately praising or criticizing a student's work, you can try questions like:

• "What do YOU think you did well?"

• "What do you think you could have done better?"

• "How did you feel when you were making this?"

• "How did you think of that?"

• "How does your work make you feel?"

Here's the beauty of curiosity questions: they empower students to become active participants in their own learning journey. When we ask them to assess their work or behavior before offering our opinion, we foster self-reflection and self-evaluation.

Even when a student responds with "I don't know," (which is quite common, especially if we don't sound genuinely curious), this is a golden opportunity to encourage further exploration. Consider responding with, "I have an idea. Do you want to hear it?" By doing so, you show respect and faith in their ability to think critically.

At its core, a growth mindset is all about embracing challenges, seeing effort as a path to mastery, and believing in one's ability to learn and grow. Curiosity questions align perfectly with these principles. They foster a sense of curiosity, encourage the embrace of challenges, and empower students to take ownership of their learning.

So, as you hop on this journey of nurturing a growth mindset in your students, remember the power of curiosity questions. They are not just tools for learning; they are keys to unlocking the boundless potential within each of your students.