Fertile+Question




 * The starting point for developing an ALJ is a fertile question or big idea. **


 * "A fertile question" is one which is open, provocative, rich, relevant / authentic to our times, is charged with emotion and has a moral dimension" **


 * Characteristics of a good fertile question: **


 * A rich question ... **

• Necessitates grappling with rich content that is indispensable to understanding humanity and the world around us


 * An open question ... **


 * • ** No definitive answer; rather it has several different and competing possible answers


 * A charged question ... **

• Has an ethical dimension (is charged with emotional, social and political implications that potentially motivate inquiry and learning)


 * A connected question ... **

• Relevant to the learners, the society in which they live and a discipline and field


 * An undermining question **

• Underminers the students basic assumptions and casts doubt on the self - evident or common sensical, uncovers basic conflicts lacking a simple solution


 * A practical question ... **

• It can be researched in the context of the learners, facilitators and the school facilities and from which research questions can be derived

Tony Ryan's Inquiry Model



Tony Ryan Inspiration