By Holli Turpin
SOU F'13
ED 593
Professor Susan Faller-Mitchell
Why Cultivate curiosity in your classroom?
In the world of standards based eduction and high stakes testing the magical
essence of the classroom has taken a back seat to objective accountability.
The subjective qualities of a classroom, that which can't be identified in numerical
data reports, are pushed aside in favor of measurable outcomes. Can a student
multiply a three digit number by a two digit number with 90% accuracy? This is a
quantitative assessment. Can a student determine the correct operation to
complete a given story problem? This is measurable as long as the problem is
worded accurately and assuming you don't mind if they use repeated addition or
multiplication. What can't be measured is a student enjoyment level when working
on mathematics. The term drill and kill is common for a reason. We teach students
strategies for test taking, and then we drill drill drill.
In this atmosphere how do we fit in the true purpose of education. Our ideal job is
to create students who are curious about the world and how things work. Students
who enjoy the journey of discovery and seek out their own topics for learning. We
want students to enjoy coming to school and exploring the topics we cover.
How do we ignite the embers of thought while using the common core standards
and preparing student to shine on test day?
Why Curiosity is Important
Curiosity leads to exploration and discovery, when children are actively involved in discovering answers they retain more.
Intrinsic motivation is tied to genuine curiosity.
Curious students are engaged students eager to learn.
Students who cultivate their curiosity grow into lifelong learners.
Curiosity is natural, all we have to do is tap into this wonderful resource.
Learning through genuine curiosity is authentic learning.
Studies have shown that when students are curious and learn through discovery retention is improved.
Check out the pages of this website to find lesson plan ideas, research articles and useful websites.
6 Ways to Cultivate Curiosity
Compiled by Holli Turpin
Learn about and integrate Inquiry Based Learning techniques.
Model curiosity, ask questions that do not have quick answers, share exploration.
Use curiosity in your lesson hook. Ask a stimulating question or make a surprising statement.
Integrate choice into classroom activities.
Introduce a conceptual conflict, have students research both sides with the goal of picking a side and defending their choice.
Create curiosity by tapping into students interest. Learn what your students are interested in and use that to grab their attention and pique their curiosity.
"Curiosity connects with learning in two important ways. It is a source of motivation, as these descriptions indicate, and it’s powered by questions"
By Holli TurpinSOU F'13
ED 593
Professor Susan Faller-Mitchell
Why Cultivate curiosity in your classroom?
In the world of standards based eduction and high stakes testing the magicalessence of the classroom has taken a back seat to objective accountability.
The subjective qualities of a classroom, that which can't be identified in numerical
data reports, are pushed aside in favor of measurable outcomes. Can a student
multiply a three digit number by a two digit number with 90% accuracy? This is a
quantitative assessment. Can a student determine the correct operation to
complete a given story problem? This is measurable as long as the problem is
worded accurately and assuming you don't mind if they use repeated addition or
multiplication. What can't be measured is a student enjoyment level when working
on mathematics. The term drill and kill is common for a reason. We teach students
strategies for test taking, and then we drill drill drill.
In this atmosphere how do we fit in the true purpose of education. Our ideal job is
to create students who are curious about the world and how things work. Students
who enjoy the journey of discovery and seek out their own topics for learning. We
want students to enjoy coming to school and exploring the topics we cover.
How do we ignite the embers of thought while using the common core standards
and preparing student to shine on test day?
Why Curiosity is Important
6 Ways to Cultivate Curiosity
Compiled by Holli Turpin
Learn about and integrate Inquiry Based Learning techniques.
Model curiosity, ask questions that do not have quick answers, share exploration.
Use curiosity in your lesson hook. Ask a stimulating question or make a surprising statement.
Integrate choice into classroom activities.
Introduce a conceptual conflict, have students research both sides with the goal of picking a side and defending their choice.
Create curiosity by tapping into students interest. Learn what your students are interested in and use that to grab their attention and pique their curiosity.
"Curiosity connects with learning in two important ways. It is a source of motivation, as these descriptions indicate, and it’s powered by questions"
-Maryellen Weimer, PhD