An “I Wonder” board is an effective tool of inquiry in most STEM/STEAM, Inquiry Based, and Project Based Learning classrooms. However, an “I Wonder” board can be implemented, and effectively used, with any instructional approach. As a PBL coach and workshop facilitator, I often encourage teachers to use an “I Wonder” board to dip their toes into the waters of student-led inquiry.
To develop inquiry in the classroom, we need to encourage students to always think about what they want to know more about. Nurturing curiosity and inquiry, in a classroom setting, requires time and effort to help students return to their natural mindset of wonder.
An “I Wonder” board is a tool where students can post things they “wonder” about during class. While we would love to teach in an environment where students can openly ask questions at any point, with 30+ kiddos in a classroom that can become a management nightmare.
“I Wonder” boards allow students to actively engage in a mindset of inquiry and curiosity while giving them a logistical solution for posting or stating their curiosities. When done correctly, an “I Wonder” board can aid facilitators in planning engaging lessons and using student interests to drive instruction.
Short on board space? Check out these bulletin board alternatives…
- Designated whiteboard space with dry erase markers or post-its
- Laminated white poster with dry erase markers or post-its
- Poster frame, with white paper inside, and dry erase markers
- Individual student “I Wonder” pages in a binder or notebook
- An “I Wonder” notebook on the teacher’s desk to record in
- Morning meeting “I wonders” (not as effective, but better than nothing)
For more on how to implement an “I Wonder” board in your classroom click here to read my blog post “3 Steps for Starting an “I Wonder” Board in Your Classroom”.
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