Based on insights from
The Power of Questioning: A Problem-Solving Model for Helping Students Learn Better
ISBN: 9798302790354
As a parent or educator, have you ever found yourself asking: “Why isn’t this student progressing?” or “How do I help my child become more independent?” If so, you’re already halfway to transforming a challenge into a solution.
Welcome to The Power of Questioning, a model I developed over three decades of working with students, families, and schools. At its heart is one simple truth: asking the right question is the first and most powerful step in helping students learn better.
Why Questions Matter More Than Answers
We often think of education as the transfer of information: teachers teach, students learn. But true learning is far more dynamic—and deeply human. It starts not with a lesson, but with curiosity. When we ask a thoughtful question, we engage the brain’s natural problem-solving mechanisms. Questions activate attention, stimulate the reward system, and promote self-reflection. In fact, neuroscience shows that asking a question triggers a cascade of mental activity that keeps us focused until we resolve the uncertainty.
In other words, our brains are wired to answer questions. That’s why The Power of Questioning model is so effective.
A Model That Helps Students—and Adults—Evolve
Here’s how the five-step model works:
- Identify the Challenge
Name what’s not working—based on data, observation, or feedback. - Formulate a Question to Set a Goal
Instead of making a statement (“He’s not reading”), ask: How do I help him read the required material? - Develop a Hypothesis
Use your experience, research, or expert advice to suggest a possible solution. - Run the Experiment
Implement the strategy, collect data, and observe the outcome. - Reflect and Refine
Ask: Did it work? Why or why not? What do we try next?
How This Looks in Real Life
Let’s take Kara, an eighth grader who wouldn’t speak in class. Instead of labeling her as “quiet” or “unmotivated,” we asked: How can we help Kara speak up in school? That question led us to investigate, consult specialists, and eventually discover she had selective mutism—a condition we could treat with targeted support.
Contrast that with Jackie, another student who struggled in math. I made the mistake of presenting her difficulties without a guiding question. The result? Her parents felt blamed, Jackie shut down, and we missed the opportunity to work together toward a solution.
When we ask questions, we invite collaboration. When we state problems, we risk shutting down dialogue.
What Happens When Students Are Asked to Question
Students thrive when they are part of the process. If a student receives feedback like “You used the wrong math terms,” they may feel corrected but not empowered. But ask them, How can you ensure you’re using accurate math terms next time?—and suddenly, they’re engaged. They can reflect, suggest strategies, and try new methods. The learning becomes theirs.
This Model Works for Parents, Too
Parenting often involves overwhelming moments: progress reports that raise concerns, homework battles, or the unsettling news of a diagnosis. When we respond with “What do we do now?” or “How can I support my child through this?” we turn fear into curiosity—and eventually into action.
The model helps you avoid emotional paralysis and move into meaningful planning. You don’t need to know the answer right away. You just need to be brave enough to ask the question.
Backed by Research, Built on Experience
Research across psychology, neuroscience, and education confirms that questions drive learning. Whether it’s the Zeigarnik Effect (our brains crave closure), curiosity-driven dopamine release, or inquiry-based classroom models, the science is clear: asking questions fuels focus, motivation, and deeper understanding.
This model has been tested in real classrooms, homes, and consulting sessions—from second graders with dysgraphia to high schoolers with executive functioning struggles. In every case, the model helped create clarity, uncover solutions, and build student independence.
Why This Model Matters Now More Than Ever
Every brain is different. Every learner is unique. In today’s world of standardized expectations and high-stakes performance, we need a model that respects individual pathways to success.
The Power of Questioning helps us:
- Personalize learning plans
- Strengthen teacher-student and parent-child partnerships
- Promote creativity in education
- Empower students to take ownership of their growth
It’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. It’s a mindset. A way of thinking. A scientific, collaborative, and deeply human approach to helping children learn and live well.
Final Thought: Let’s Start with a Question
Whether you’re facing a challenge with your student, your child, or your classroom—don’t rush to the solution.
Pause. Ask.
“What’s getting in the way?”
“How can we improve this together?”
“What do I need to know to support them better?”
Because in education, the most powerful tool we have isn’t a textbook or a test.
It’s a question.
Let’s Apply This Model Together
To learn more about this model and to consult with me, email me at mary@evolveded.com.
