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Several years ago, during a flight from Houston to Paris, I had a conversation with the CEO of a prominent Houston-based company. When I mentioned that I was a teacher, I asked him, “What skills do you value most when hiring?” His response was straightforward yet impactful: “We’re always seeking individuals who know how to ask the right questions.”
That moment changed how I viewed teaching. Asking the right questions isn’t just a tool for learning; it’s a critical skill that defines success in professional and personal spheres. Fast forward to today, where tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are transforming how we learn and work. These AI tools are incredible, but their effectiveness hinges on one thing: the quality of the questions asked.
Whether a student is researching climate change, drafting an essay, or solving a coding problem, the ability to craft clear, thoughtful, and precise questions makes all the difference. When students master this skill, they not only maximize the use of AI but also build confidence and independence as learners and thinkers.
How questions shape AI responses
AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are designed to respond to the input they receive. A vague question yields a generic response, while a specific and well-constructed question unlocks deeper, more meaningful answers. Consider this example:
Question 1: “What is climate change?”
The response is basic: a general definition of climate change.
Question 2: “How does climate change affect agriculture, and what sustainable practices can farmers adopt to mitigate its impact?”
The response is rich and detailed, offering insights into causes, effects, and potential solutions.
This comparison reveals the power of thoughtful questioning. A well-crafted question guides AI to generate responses that are more targeted, nuanced, and actionable.
But this skill isn’t limited to science or research; it’s essential across all subjects:
- In literature, students might ask, “How does the author’s use of symbolism enhance the theme of loss?”
- In history, they could inquire, “What were the key economic factors that led to the fall of the Roman Empire?”
- In math, they might refine their query from, “How do I solve this problem?” to “What strategies can I use to simplify quadratic equations?”
When students learn to craft such questions, they unlock the potential of AI tools not as simple answer machines but as partners in exploration and problem-solving.
Teaching students to ask the right questions
The art of questioning is transformative–not just for AI use but for fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning. Here’s how teachers can help students develop this skill:
First, start with specificity. Teach students to avoid vague or overly broad questions. For example, instead of asking “What is pollution?” encourage them to ask, “What are the primary causes of air pollution in urban areas, and how can governments address them?” This teaches them to craft questions that lead to actionable and meaningful answers.
Second, refine through iteration. Encourage students to improve their questions iteratively. They can start with a general query, analyze the AI’s response, and adjust their question for greater depth or clarity. For instance, a student researching ecosystems might start with “What is an ecosystem?” After analyzing the response, they could refine it to: “What are the key components of a rainforest ecosystem, and how do they interact to maintain balance?” This iterative process not only enhances the quality of AI-generated results but also strengthens their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Third, incorporate real-world scenarios. Provide examples where asking the right questions is crucial. For instance, during a research project on climate change, students can experiment with different questions to see how specificity affects AI’s responses. This hands-on approach makes the learning process more tangible and engaging.
Fourth, empower exploration across subjects. Show students how questioning enhances learning in various disciplines. In science, they might ask, “What would happen if we replaced all fossil fuels with renewable energy sources?” In history, they could inquire, “How did World War I impact women’s roles in society?” And in creative writing, they might refine a prompt like “Write me a story.” to “Write a story about an unlikely hero who overcomes self-doubt to save their village.”
Finally, practice with AI tools. Allow students to use tools like ChatGPT to practice iterative questioning. For example, a student could start with a vague prompt: “Explain photosynthesis.” After reviewing the response, they could refine it to: “How do plants use chlorophyll during photosynthesis, and why is this process vital for the ecosystem?” This activity helps students see firsthand how specific questions yield deeper insights and teaches them how to interact effectively with AI tools.
A visual example
To reinforce these concepts, consider the following visual example of student prompts and AI responses:
Initial question: “What is photosynthesis?”
AI response: “Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy.”
Refined question: “How do chloroplasts contribute to photosynthesis, and what role does light play in the process?”
AI response: “Chloroplasts are the organelles in plant cells that capture sunlight. They use this light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, a form of sugar, and oxygen. Light provides the energy needed to drive the chemical reactions that produce glucose.”
This simple exercise demonstrates the value of iterative questioning and encourages students to think critically about the information they seek.
Conclusion
The conversation with the CEO on that transatlantic flight was a reminder that asking the right questions is more than just a skill–it’s a mindset. Today, as tools like ChatGPT and Copilot become increasingly integral to education, this skill is more critical than ever.
Teaching students to master the art of questioning equips them to harness the full power of AI tools, fosters critical thinking, and prepares them for success in any field.
As teachers, let’s commit to nurturing this essential skill. What questions will your students ask tomorrow? Let’s ensure they’re the kind that inspire curiosity, ignite understanding, and open doors to new possibilities.
