Inquiry: Crafting Questions that Spark Deep Thinking

Mónica Naranjo's profile photo
Instructor: Mónica Naranjo
This workshop is designed for elementary teachers who want to explore the art and science of crafting powerful questions that ignite curiosity, foster student agency, and promote conceptual thinking across the curriculum. Throughout the four sessions, participants will analyze what makes questions effective, learn to develop essential questions that drive learning, implement strategies for student-generated questioning, and collaborate on refining questioning techniques. Teachers will leave with practical tools to transform their questioning practice and create a classroom environment where deep thinking thrives through the power of well-crafted questions.

Course information

For teachers
Duration: 4 weeks
4 sessions
Live peer-to-peer learning

The methodology

Teachers will learn in small groups of 2-5 colleagues, meeting once a week for 4 weeks. Sessions are 1.5 hours and can be in-person or online.

Course syllabus

Session 1: The Power of a Good Question

  • • Unpack the characteristics of questions that lead to rich inquiry
  • • Explore how open-ended, conceptual and provocative questions engage young learners
  • • Analyze how effective questions support meaningful, connected learning across subject areas

Session 2: Questions that Drive Learning

  • • Dive into how essential and supporting questions can shape learning experiences
  • • Learn techniques for crafting questions that promote critical thinking
  • • Analyze examples and craft questions aligned with curriculum learning goals

Session 3: Questions in Action

  • • Explore strategies to embed student-driven questioning into everyday classroom practice
  • • Practice tools and routines that nurture students' ability to generate questions
  • • Develop techniques to help students refine their own questions for deeper learning

Session 4: Refining and Reflecting

  • • Draft questions to refine collaboratively with peers
  • • Receive feedback and design next steps for implementation in your classroom
  • • Reflect on how powerful questions can transform learning, assessment and classroom culture

Instructor

Mónica Naranjo's profile photo

Mónica Naranjo

Specialist in international education, with extensive experience in implementing International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs and leading teacher training. With over 20 years of experience in international school settings, she has supported school communities as a teacher, coordinator, consultant, workshop leader, and evaluator. Her approach focuses on developing student agency, fostering cultures of inquiry and critical thinking, and promoting concept-based, student-centered learning.

How it works

You will join a group of 2 to 5 colleagues, and as a group, you will meet 4 times, either in person or online, at a time you all agree on.

1

Join a circle

Organize your study group with colleagues. You'll have 3 days to "match," from January 2 to January 5.

2

Agree on a schedule

Decide the most convenient time for your sessions, online or in person.

3

Join and collaborate

When the session arrives, connect with your colleagues and complete the activities together.

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