TOPIC #1: QUESTIONS

The "Choosing a Question" Protocol

This protocol for choosing a question is embedded in a larger set of professional practices for teachers called the Evidence Process. The Evidence Process is being developed by Harvard Project Zero with partner schools in Massachusetts, supported by the Wallace Readers Digest Fund.

Please note: The protocol for choosing a question is shared here as a "slice" from the larger Evidence Process in order to contribute to the Beyond the Basics dialogue about questions in LSW. It is not intended to function as a stand-alone tool or process.

For more information about the Evidence Process, or to comment on the protocol, please contact:

Tina_Blythe@pz.harvard.edu
David_Allen@pz.harvard.edu
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The Protocol

1. Why is this question personally important to you?

2.How is it relevant to teaching and learning in other classrooms?

3.What direct connections to student learning can we identify?

Note: The "presenting teacher" is the only one who can address the first question. For questions 2 and 3, the presenting teacher answers first, then the group.

If the group feels there are satisfactory answers to all three questions, the question is considered appropriate for study through the Evidence Process. If a question doesn't meet these criteria, the group helps the participant modify the question or identify another question for study.