SEL Tip: Ask the Questions What? Why? How?

Helping students navigate the challenges they encounter is an integral part of their learning and development process. As educators and mentors, our instinct might be to immediately solve problems for them to ease their frustration. However, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving on their own is far more beneficial in the long run. So instead, we recommend you ask the questions What? Why? How? This approach not only helps students develop resilience but also equips them with the skills necessary to tackle similar issues independently in the future.

One effective method to guide students without directly handing them solutions is to employ open-ended questioning techniques. Asking What? Why? How? is a simple yet powerful strategy that prompts students to reflect on their situation, identify the root cause of their issue, and brainstorm potential solutions. This method encourages a deeper understanding of the problem at hand and fosters a sense of ownership over the resolution process.

Ask What?

Starting with “What’s the problem you are facing?” helps students articulate the challenge clearly. Sometimes, just the act of defining the problem aloud can make it seem more manageable and less intimidating.

Ask Why?

Proceeding with “Why do you think that’s happening?” pushes students to think critically about the factors contributing to their obstacle. This question encourages them to consider various perspectives and potentially uncover aspects of the problem they hadn’t previously considered.

Ask How?

Finally, “How might you fix that?” shifts the focus towards solution-oriented thinking. It encourages students to tap into their creativity and resourcefulness to devise practical strategies for overcoming their challenge.

By utilizing these questions, we can guide students through a structured problem-solving process. This not only helps them overcome immediate challenges but also prepares them to face future obstacles with confidence and independence. This approach not only nurtures their problem-solving skills but also contributes to their overall growth as resilient, autonomous learners capable of navigating the complexities of both academic and real-world challenges.

If you found this content helpful, you might enjoy this Imagineerz blog post and check out Mastering the Pace and Tone of Your Questions to Students!