Hook+Questions+to+Build+Motivation

 "Hook" Questions

Quoted from Robert Fried's __The Passionate Teacher__

The best hook questions have several of the following features:


 * It has no "one right answer"--students know that neither the teacher nor any of them has the answer:
 * 1) "How long will the USA remain a first-class world power?"
 * 2) "Is the environmental movement a fad or a big part of your future?"
 * It lies at the heart of the subject matter or unit--it is central to whatever it is that students will be learning:
 * 1) "What does it mean for a society or a nation to be strong or weak?"
 * 2) "Are humans the masters of the earth, or only one species on our planet?"
 * It is phrased in simple, direct language students understand--not in professional jargon or terms that students think are meant for adults:
 * 1) "How do people feel when their country loses respect in the world?"
 * 2) "Is our world becoming a healthier or a sicker place to live?"
 * It deals with issues to which students have direct access--ideas that they can relate to in their own lives:
 * 1) "In what ways is a nation like a person?"
 * 2) "How 'natural' is my environment?"
 * It offers students choices in how to respond--invites kids to find lots of ways to use their intelligence:
 * 1) "How--without words--can you show what America means to you?"
 * 2) "What creature can you design that could live in a polluted world?"
 * It encourages students to become investigators--to go out and seek knowledge that isn't easily available from textbooks:
 * 1) "What issues do people in your family think are vital to the USA?"
 * 2) "What environmental problems are here in our neighborhood?'
 * It involves thinking, speculating, not just answering--questions that challenge students to use their minds as well:
 * 1) "How will life in the USA differ for your grandchildren?"
 * 2) "What should Americans give up to insure a safer environment?"
 * It provides a sense of fun and adventure--allowing teacher and students to enjoy exploring ideas and issues informally and without pressure:
 * 1) "What would it take to make life perfect in our society?"
 * 2) "What are some things kids can do--right now--to save our planet?"

These questions should come before you present content, to develop the students' stake in the lesson.