Following the success of our inaugural teaching competition last year, we have launched a new competition, One Big Question, and course ‘Asking Questions in the Classroom’ ahead of World Teachers’ Day 2024.
We are highlighting the importance of asking questions. Our ability to ask questions helps us to improve our knowledge and understanding of the world around us and the people in it. Questions help to challenge ideas or initiate debate when we believe something is wrong.
There are different ways of using and creating questions. By learning these, teachers play a vital role in encouraging young people to ask their own questions, be inquisitive learners and think more deeply. However, in many low- and middle-income settings, teachers are not equipped with the skills to do this.
That is why we have created a brand new course ‘Asking Questions in the Classroom’ that teachers can take for free before entering the competition. They will learn multiple strategies to make the questions they ask more effective, whilst encouraging students to ask their own. From Bloom’s Taxonomy to higher-level thinking, the course is full of up-to-date theory, but designed in a highly contextualised way, so that it is accessible and applicable to their classroom. All this will help their students to create a successful entry!
Students will need to ask the biggest question about the world around them, before providing an answer. It allows them to present their community and society to the rest of the world, spotlighting issues they’re passionate about. This competition also allows them to take ownership of their learning– rather than relying on their teachers, students can decide what they want to learn and become more confident with their voices.
By learning different questioning styles, teachers play a vital role in encouraging young people to ask questions, be inquisitive learners and think more deeply. However, in many low- and middle-income settings, teachers are not equipped with the skills to do this.
All children deserve a quality education from a transformative and supported teacher.
The Commonwealth Education Trust invests in teachers in low- and middle-income settings by providing accessible teacher professional development. We are helping to bridge the gap between teacher participation and qualification as well as upskilling teachers of all levels to ensure a quality education for all.
How can teachers enter our competition?
Step 1: Register for the competition
Step 2: Take our new FREE, short course on Questioning Styles
Step 3: Upload competition entry by Friday 23rd February 2024.
Step 4: Our judges will shortlist the best entries from all the submissions.
Step 5: The winner will be announced during Commonwealth Week in March 2024 on celebratory virtual get together. Date to be confirmed.
Why should a teacher enter?
- Receive a trophy and certificate for finishing 1st or 2nd
- T-shirts for students and teachers for finishing 1st, 2nd and 3rd
- Access to free Teach2030 courses for teachers at your school
- Winners will be featured on our websites and social media
- Improve your teaching by taking the Independent Learning course linked to this competition and you’ll receive a certificate for completing it
What should a entry submission look like?
Learners have to answer it in groups or pairs. This can be presented back in any format they choose. Examples could include, but are not limited to: a science experiment, a sculpture, reciting or writing a poem, writing an article, designing a model, a short piece of drama or dance, performing a song or piece of music. The time limit for each entry is 5 minutes. It might be hard to find time to complete the competition during curriculum hours, so it can also be done in extra-curricular time.
During the next few months, we will be posting extra content that supports teachers and students as they complete the competition, so keep your eyes open for them!
Good luck! Any questions, please feel free to email hello@teach2030.com
