Questions Lead To Answers

During Winter Break, I read all of the final exams. I often spent more time reading the student reflections. I wanted to know what the students learned about solving problems. I teach differently than many teachers, in part because of the subject matter, but also because I am different.


I want my students to learn how to ask questions. Even more to the point, I want my students to learn how to ask the correct questions.


Does it matter if a student answers a question correctly if the student asks the wrong question? 


This semester, I will constantly challenge students to create their own questions. I will ask students, "Is that the correct question?" This will baffle students. Some will just want the answer... and soon, some students will just want me to give them the right question.


Yet, by the end of the second semester, students will be much wiser.