Curiosity, Inquisitiveness, Inquiring, Query, Probing - are all synonyms for asking questions. Why is questioning so important? Is it simply because it is a great way to get information or does it expose us to new ideas and perspectives? Well, there's more to it! 

 

All the great inventors and scientists in the world asked questions. Columbus was curious to know if there is a direct water route from Europe to Asia; Isaac Newton asked, “Why does an apple fall from a tree?” and, “Why does the moon not fall on the Earth?”; Charles Darwin asked, “How do new kinds of life come into existence?”; Albert Einstein was curious to know what the universe would look like if he rode through it on a beam of light?”. It were these fundamental questions that led to tremendous breakthroughs, inventions, and discoveries. 

 

Asking questions and being curious & inquisitive has helped great philosophers, scientists, and inventors probe deeper and find answers to their unimaginable discoveries that changed the world. It is the single most important skill that made them a success.

 

Albert Einstein said, “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” 

 

Asking questions is always better than assuming. It makes us more confident and strong, helps us grow intellectually, and drives us to be more empathetic towards other people’s opinions and ideas. 

 

We usually ask questions when we discover something new, when we disagree with something, when we resolve some issues, or when we remember something all of a sudden! We all know how exasperating it is to answer the number of questions children ask; sometimes some questions don't even make sense! They ask because they want to know more; because they are curious to find answers to questions that intrigue them. And, it is through the answers to their questions that they learn.

 

So, why is questioning considered pivotal to learning?

 

Well, we know that asking questions has been a cornerstone of education for centuries; it is an age-old practice in teaching. It promotes higher-order learning by encouraging the learners to explore a concept, analyze information, connect disparate concepts, and articulate their thoughts. In other words, it helps one learn better, understand more and remember naturally.

 

Asking questions is actually thinking critically about something or relating some pieces of information. What we question increases our chances to remember it better. Here are some of the reasons why asking questions is a great asset to learning.

 

• Asking questions works because it makes you an active learner.

• You can take control of your learning.

• For learners, it develops independent and critical thinking.

• Encourages learners to engage with their work and think out loud.

• Facilitates learning through active discussion.

• Empowers learners to feel confident about their ideas.

• Improves speaking and listening skills.

• Promotes general discussion which leads to peer-to-peer interaction 

• Helps learners to clarify their understanding.

• Learners benefit by generating a list of ideas and viewpoints; 

• It leads to a more focused inquiry.

 

Therefore, asking questions is significant to learning. It encourages creativity, stimulates critical thinking, and enhances confidence. But there’s one more side to it - When questions are the best way to get innovative solutions, why do we sometimes hesitate to question and to ask?

 

Some people think that they know it all and therefore no longer ask questions – why should they? Some think that they might sound stupid, weak or funny or less intelligent? Some think that it is a waste of time, others feel that it is better to be passive. And then there are others who never want to come into the limelight. 

 

On the other hand, there are some brilliant thinkers who know that asking questions is the simplest, most effective, and the best way to gain deeper insights and to learn. They never stop asking questions, because they know very well that “The moment you stop asking questions is the moment you stop learning.”