From Trivial Pursuit to Essential Questions and Standards-Based Learning
by Jamie McKenzie
Sometimes we ask students to pursue answers to questions that are not worthy of much effort or attention.
"How many gargoyles are there on the Cathedral of Notre Dame?"
Who really cares?
The eleventh grade student sent me an e-mail message. "Can you help me?"
His teacher had a set of extra credit questions. Tough questions. But why would anyone need to know how many gargoyles perch upon the ramparts of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris?
An exhaustive search led to little illumination . . .
There are so many more important and more intriguing questions we could explore about gargoyles. When we limit students to trivial pursuit, we make a mockery of authentic research and deprive them of a chance to explore the tough issues, choices, dilemmas and questions that really matter.
· Why did people place gargoyles on cathedrals?
· What good are gargoyles?
· How are gargoyles (gargouilles) and chimeras (chimeres) different and which are better?
· Why do some people place gargoyles in their gardens?
· Why do some people place gargoyles on their desks?
· Why do some people place gargoyles on their office buildings?
· What kinds of people like gargoyles? Why?
· Are some gargoyles better than others?
· What are the traits or characteristics of a good gargoyles? Should they be fierce and threatening? Kind, gentle and welcoming?
· How should modern gargoyles be different from the ancient ones? Why?
· Which of the gargoyles below would make the best one for your house or garden? Why? Click on an image to see larger version.
Some call such questions essential questions because they call upon our best thinking and touch upon those matters that define what it means to be human. They are questions that help us to make meaning out of the events and circumstances of our lives.
There is a huge difference between knowledge on the one hand and understanding or insight on the other hand.
Schools often engage students in collecting answers, in accumulating information. But essential questions require that students spend time pondering the meaning and importance of information.
Essential questions are questions that resonate within our hearts and our souls. They are central to our lives. Most important thought during our lives will center on such essential questions.
Credits: The photographs were shot by Jamie McKenzie.
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TLW Team Meeting Information -27- pjk 5-08