The Importance of Encouraging Questions in Education.

In our society, we often celebrate children who provide the "right" answers. Whether in school or at home, students are praised for repeating information correctly, and this gives parents and teachers a sense of pride. However, in this quest to mold children into knowledgeable individuals, we overlook a critical skill: the ability to ask questions. The decline in this skill is gradually becoming a concern, especially as modern technology such as AI and quick-access information platforms like ChatGPT offer ready-made answers without much effort.?

The Problem with Memorization Over Inquiry

The emphasis on giving perfect answers has led to a surge in educated individuals. If we examine statistics, we see that the number of students achieving top grades has increased dramatically. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many students in Pakistan managed to secure perfect marks in their matriculation and intermediate exams. Yet, behind this success lies a troubling reality: many of these students lacked true understanding or deep insight into the subjects they were tested on.

This reliance on surface-level knowledge is not new. In the past, students had to use their minds to some extent, analyze problems, and come up with solutions. Today, they simply turn to AI or search engines, avoiding the mental process of digging deeper into topics. While technology has its benefits, it has also diminished the natural curiosity that leads to true learning.

An Example: Memorization vs. Critical Thinking

Let’s take a simple classroom example: A teacher asks, "Why do seasons change?"?

A child who is trained only to give the right answer might respond quickly, “Because of the Earth’s tilt.” The teacher praises the child for being correct, and the child moves on without giving the subject further thought.

Now, imagine another child who asks, "But why is the Earth tilted? What causes this tilt, and could the Earth’s position ever change?" This child isn’t just content with the initial answer. They want to understand the root cause and are curious about the possibilities beyond the textbook.

While the first child is praised in the short term, the second child develops a habit of inquiry. In the long term, this habit of questioning leads to greater intellectual curiosity and deeper understanding. The first child may be seen as “smart” in the traditional sense, but the second child is more likely to engage in creative thinking, problem-solving, and original research.

Why Encouraging Questions is Key to Progress.

Children who ask questions are the ones who push the boundaries of knowledge. They don't just settle for what is presented to them; they seek more. This curiosity fuels discovery and innovation. Throughout history, some of the greatest scientists, inventors, and thinkers were the ones who dared to ask questions that others didn’t. Think of people like Isaac Newton, who questioned why the apple fell from the tree, leading him to discover gravity.

In contrast, a society that only values “right” answers may produce well-informed individuals but lacks innovators. Memorization may help students pass exams, but it won’t equip them to solve the real-world challenges of tomorrow.?

The Role of Parents and Teachers

To reverse this trend, both parents and teachers need to create environments that encourage curiosity. Instead of focusing solely on whether a child can recite facts, we should foster a culture of inquiry. When a child asks a question, no matter how simple or complex, adults should take the time to respond thoughtfully. More importantly, they should encourage further questions. A simple conversation could lead to a child developing a lifelong passion for learning.

For instance, if a child asks, “Why is the sky blue?” instead of giving a quick answer, a parent could explain how light scatters through the atmosphere and then ask, “What do you think would happen if the atmosphere was thicker?” By engaging the child in deeper thinking, we help them become active learners rather than passive receivers of information.

Conclusion

In a world where technology provides easy access to information, it’s easy to assume that knowledge is just a click away. However, true learning comes from curiosity, inquiry, and the ability to ask meaningful questions. As educators and parents, we must encourage children to explore beyond the surface of things. Only then will we nurture a generation of thinkers, creators, and innovators who are capable of shaping the future.

Written by: IBY