Questions about the next century of social studies
At the National Council for the Social Studies 100th anniversary conference, held this month, educators used the Question Formulation Technique to generate questions around the topic “democracy ready: the next 100 years of social studies education.” See what educators asked and add your own questions to the discussion.
Harvard and RQI’s online course starts in April
Best Practices in the Question Formulation Technique, offered through the Harvard Graduate School of Education, takes place from April 12 to May 2. This is RQI’s flagship online course — the best way to learn the art and science of using the QFT to build questioning skills and drive student-centered inquiry and curiosity. Participants take the course at their own pace, with weekly recommended benchmarks and opportunities to collaborate with colleagues. It takes about 10-12 hours to complete.
Learn more and register by April 1
What we’re reading
Here are a few stories that caught our attention this month.
- Why do we make the poor run an obstacle course to get help? — The New York Times
- New research updates what’s important in a quality preschool program — KQED MindShift
- Brandon Brown is grateful for path that led him from prison to redemption — The Portland Press Herald
- Using sheet music to bring history to life — Teaching with the Library of Congress
- STUDENT VOICE: Virtual learning left my classmates and me burned out, but there are things schools can do to make it better for us — The Hechinger Report
- Creating authentic writing opportunities in the science classroom — Edutopia
- Parents like social-emotional learning, but not the name — Education Week
Upcoming learning opportunities
March 3: Questioning: The Key to Unlocking the Power of Inquiry in Social Studies. One-hour webinar hosted by inquirED.
March 4: Spark Curiosity & Promote Media Literacy: Teach Students to Ask their Own Questions. Part of the Association of Independent School Librarians 2022 online conference.
March 6: Lawyers and Advocates as Catalysts for Client Agency: An Introduction to a Practical Strategy for Building Self-Advocacy Skills. Part of the annual conference of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.
March 11, 18, and April 1: Teaching Students to Ask & Use Their Own Questions with the Question Formulation Technique (QFT). In partnership with Chapters International. Note, dates are March 12, 19, and April 2 in Pacific-region time zones.
Starting April 12: Teaching Students to Ask Their Own Questions: Best Practices in the Question Formulation Technique online course. Registration deadline April 1.
Your contributions make a difference
Your support makes a difference. When you support the Right Question Institute, you help bring free resources to teachers and schools. You also help equip people with skills and strategies for participating in decisions and advocating for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Thank you for contributing to a more inclusive educational system, society, and democracy, where all people, even those furthest from power, can develop the skills and confidence to ask questions and make their voices heard about issues important to them.