Untapping the Power of Questions
Strengthening the Practice and Culture of Question Formulation in Higher Education
How might higher education and research be improved by deliberately developing the ability to ask better questions? The discrete skill of formulating questions is foundational for learning and research, yet, it is rarely taught to students and its importance is often overlooked. We invite you to participate in a pioneering conference in which we will explore the power of question formulation for learning and for fostering transformative research.
12 – 4 pm EDT
We are no longer accepting nominations
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This conference is designed for faculty, administrators, graduate students, and postdocs in any STEM-M field who fall under one or more of these descriptions:
- Individuals who want to deepen their understanding of the importance of question formulation for fostering transformative research
- Individuals who would like to foster the skill of question formulation in order to improve learning in higher education
- Individuals who would like to promote a culture of better question formulation in their programs, departments, institutions
Participants from the same program/department/institution are encouraged to attend as a team to work together.
Day 1 – Friday, September 17, 12:00 – 4:00 PM EDT
Exploring the Power of Question Formulation
| Topic | Description |
| Exploring the Current State of Question Formulation in Higher Education | A collaborative learning experience that will use the Question Formulation Technique to analyze and reflect upon the use of question formulation in higher education today. |
| Question Formulation Theory of Learning | Introduction and exploration of the emerging theory of learning grounded in question formulation. |
| The Question Formulation Technique in Higher Education: Effective Practices | Discussion and reflection on the power of question formulation to enhance learning, foster transformative research, and promote a culture of generating and refining questions across all fields and topics. |
| Question Formulation for Transformation | Reflection on value of question formulation for enhancing learning, fostering transformative research, and promoting a culture of better question formulation. |
Day 2 – Friday, September 24, 12:00 – 4:00 PM EDT
Planning with the Power of Question Formulation
| Topic | Description |
| Reflections, Thoughts and Lessons Since Day 1 | Identifying and discussing new ideas, heightened awareness, and possible changes related to untapping the power of question formulation. |
| Developing Action Plans | Collaboration in small groups/teams to develop plans for strengthening the practice and culture of question formulation. |
| Feedback for Improving and Refining Plans | Application of the skill of question formulation as part of an innovative, intergroup process for review and feedback. |
| Moving Forward: Closing Comments and Reflection | What new questions do we have now about how to strengthen a practice and culture of question formulation? Reflection on lessons from the conference. Moving forward with questions and plans. |
- Participation is free of cost.
- To apply: Nominate yourself, a colleague, or a team using link to the Nomination Form below. Nominations should be received by July 25, 2021 for priority consideration.
- Nominated individuals will receive an application form. Applications received by July 31, 2021 will be given priority consideration.
- Participation is limited to 100 applicants.
- Attendance during both conference dates is requested.
- Active participation before, during, and after the main event is requested for the success of this conference.
The Right Question Institute will offer a workshop on the Question Formulation Technique for Research on two different dates:
Thursday, September 2 at 1 pm EDT
OR
Wednesday, September 8 at 4 pm EDT
Participation in these workshops is open and optional to conference participants.
- Nominations priority deadline: July 25, 2021
- Applications priority deadline: July 31, 2021
- Preconference Workshop: Thursday, September 2 at 1 pm EDT, OR Wednesday, September 8 at 4 pm EDT
- Conference: Friday, September 17 (12 – 4 pm EDT) AND Friday, September 24 (12 – 4 pm EDT)
Can I nominate myself and one of my colleagues?
Yes, you can do it by filling out two individual nomination forms or by submitting a group nomination form for a two-people group.
What information do I need to provide in the nomination?
Name, email, position, field of work, and time zone.
Do I also need to fill out an application?
Yes, all nominees will received a personalized link to the application form.
What information do I need to provide in the application?
The application consists of six questions regarding your past use of questions in your work. Responses will inform the presenters on the background of the participants. Your personal information provided in the nomination will not be associated with the responses provided in the application.
How much time does it take to fill out the application?
We recommend to spend 20 minutes or less in the application process. Average times are 5-8 minutes.
What happens if I nominated my colleague but he/she does not want to attend?
Nominees who do not want to attend the conference have the option to opt out of conference communications at the bottom of the email with the application link.
How competitive is the application process?
Nominees from or related to STEM-M fields, who fill out and submit the application form, will be accepted to attend the conference on a first-come-first-serve basis until capacity is reached.
Can I still submit a nomination or apply after the priority dates?
Yes, you can still submit a nomination after the priority nomination date (July 25) or the priority application date (July 31).
Is this a virtual or in person event?
This is a virtual event.
Who can I contact with other questions?
Please send your questions to [email protected]
Award # 2010551