In math classrooms around the country and world, students using the Question Formulation Technique (QFT) are asking questions like:
“How do you know the equation is solvable?”
“What would you call a function that is neither linear or exponential?”
“How can graphs help gather evidence?”
“If we were to find the amount of chips found in an 11 inch a square could we double that and find the answer for a 22 inch square?”
“Why do we use so many formulas when we can just use the easiest one?”
We have compiled the work of math educators around the country who are using the QFT to engage students and fire curiosity. Explore this new collection of classroom examples to learn how math teachers in different grade levels and settings are using the QFT for a wide range of topics and instructional purposes, see how students are responding, and get inspiration and ideas for your own classroom.
Teachers around the country are discovering the power of the QFT to uniquely drive deeper conceptual understanding, foster an equitable learning environment, develop students’ growth mindset toward math, and inspire a sense of student ownership in the classroom:
“Some kids say they are not good at math. And if you don’t get it first or quickly, students start to internalize that message of them not being good at math. It’s become normalized that ‘I’m not a math kid.’ That’s why I like the QFT because everyone can look at a math picture and ask a question about it…It’s really an equitable practice where everyone has to and is capable of asking questions.”– Alyssa Park, 4th grade teacher, NV
“This is my 6th year teaching. I’ve done a lot of decent group work math tasks, fun review activities, discovery lessons, data collection, etc. I’ve never felt what I felt today. The students had taken complete ownership of this process. And they recognized my role at the moment was only facilitator.” – Rick Barlow, from his blog, Kindling Fires
Have a great example of the QFT in the math classroom? Want to share your work with other educators and inform our ongoing resources? Email us at contact@rightquestion.org.