9 questions to deepen and widen understanding
This module is about helping pupils to widen and deepen their understanding of their own learning, through asking themselves questions throughout the sketchbook process.
Asking questions alongside sketchbook work aids reflection and promotes self-directed or enquiry-based learning.
9 questions to deepen and widen understanding – pupils module
This module has been designed for pupils to access directly, or as a focus for discussion between teacher and pupils. We also recommend printing out the pdf below and making it available around the classroom so pupils can be reminded of the questions.
Encouraging students to pursue their own learning journeys, hinges on developing the skills of inquiry and the art of good questioning. We need to encourage students to think metacognitively, that is, to think about their own thinking.
So when should we ask questions? All the time!
At the beginning of the process students can be involved in planning for their own learning.
During sketchbook work questions help pupils develop an awareness of the process of their own learning. Older students could keep a thinking log in their sketchbook, recording what they are thinking about at regular intervals throughout a lesson. A thinking log provides a great resource for reflection and students can use it to plan the next steps in their learning journey.
Towards the end of the process, students can be involved in debriefing their thinking process and evaluating successes.
But learning journeys don’t really end. Learning is a cyclical and cumulative process. The last questions are often the same as the first.
Many thanks to Jo Evans for her work towards this module.
Any comments or feedback pls leave them below.
Sketchbooks as tools to help personalise learning
Sketchbooks provide an excellent opportunity for pupils to reflect and absorb upon their learning. They provide a platform for powerful reinforcement, and to nurture further understanding… and for teachers to gain insight into pupils thought processes.
Used either after a lesson, or at the end of the school day, sketchbooks can give pupils the opportunity:
For the teacher:
To encourage post-learning reflection:
Please share your thoughts and experiences below.
