To Be or Not to Be? ( that is the question)

In the quest of human beings looking for answers, they must first ask questions. The same principles apply to teaching the Havan EQ Program. Based on our experience, we found that what effectively enhances the learning process is through asking the right questions during lessons when students present or express their work in the given activities. We believe that asking facilitative questions help the students to make deeper connections with themselves.

Facilitative questions are designed to increase self-awareness, introspection, reflection, and exploration of optional meanings. Asking questions (as opposed to giving answers) facilitates students to clarify their goals, enhance their plans to achieve their goals and circumvent setbacks. Throughout the process, we are also generalizing their success to other areas.

Questions, if asked well, will have therapeutic effects. Do not ask questions as though we were police officers interrogating criminals.We must also be mindful that we don’t ask questions to fill the time or to satisfy our curiosity. All questions asked must be purposeful and targeted at increasing students’ self-understanding, insight and resolution to challenges. 

Here are some examples of useful questions to facilitate childrens’ work:

1. What do you think about……..?
2. How does…..make you feel?
3. What bothers / concerns / confuses you the most about…..?
4. What is your understanding of ………..?
5. What is the first thing you think about in relation to…………..?
6. Can you share one moment/experience/event  that relates to…..?
7. Does…….remind you of anything?
8. What was significant about……….?
9. What happens if …………..?
10. Can you give me some specific examples of………….?
11. What speaks to you?
12. What did you learn?
13. What are our next steps?
14. What kind of support do we need as we move forward?
15. What questions arise for you when you think about…..?
16. How might your life be different if……..?
17. What are the pros and cons of…….?
18. What connections do you see……?
19. Do you see a pattern here?
20. What action can you take if you want to…..?

You may find it awkward asking the facilitative questions like the above when talking with children. This does not come naturally at first but the efforts will pay off if you practice it with patience. Trust us, the insightful responses from children are the best reward. 

So, are you ready to build rapport and enhance bonding with your children? If so, start to ask away!