What makes a strong essential question?
Task 1:
Brainstorm a written list of possible essential questions for your unit. Then skim this article on how to make your questions essential and refine your questions.
Using two strategies from the article (or more, if you like) rewrite/revise your essential questions. Input your original and revised questions here. NOTE: You will NOT receive feedback here if you select "Check". Donna will provide feedback via email and/or in class.
Task 2:
Please record a quick audio response to these reflection questions:
- To what extent did your questions change?
- What did you notice as you engaged in this refinement process?
- Which of the essential questions you generated might you actually use? Why?
- PLEASE NOTE: You will not receive instant feedback if you input “Check”. Donna will provide you specific feedback by email or in class, based on your responses here.
Task 3:
Now view this quick video interview with Amelia Stewart, Arts Department Chair and Theater teacher at Drew School here in San Francisco.
Note: Amelia starts talking about essential questions at 7.48 in the video. The beginning is more about the UbD process and her experience.