Essential Questions (110Pages)

This professional book by Mctighe & Wiggins (of Understanding by Design fame) I'm entering this book for two main reason: 1) It is filled with GREAT ideas for all curriculum departments, and 2) I believe the weakest area for most teachers is their inability to ask quality questions. As a matter of fact, many of the questions asked are low level thinking questions. This book is designed to be used by math, science, history, music, art teachers. Think seriously about getting this book for yourself, or at the very least ask your librarian to get one for faculty use. Not only do these authors point out what an essential question it, they also point out what one is not! Here is an example they give of an essential question: How do the arts shape, as well as reflect, a culture? Here is a question that is not essential: What common artistic symbols were used by the Incas and the Mayans? They go into detail explaining the difference between overarching vs topical essential questions. Believe me, whatever you teach, at whatever level, this book will be an asset to you.