Innovation and Exploration PBL: Driving Questions (DQs)Name:

How to: Making a Driving Question (DQ)

Once you have learned how to ask relevant and appropriate questions, you have learned how
to learn and no one can keep you from learning whatever you want or need to know. Neil
Postman and Charles Weingartner

Step 1: Brainstorm.
In the centre of the cloud, write your topic (eg, military technology, ceramics, musical
instruments, etc). Write as many questions or big ideas as you can related to the topic around
the cloud; do not stop to discuss, judge, or answer any of your questions or ideas just write
down every question or idea you can think of. Dont forget to include who, what, where, when,
why, and how components.

Speed of technological advancement faster than we can control

Technology such as Computers
Mechanics
Programs
Circuits
Problems
Troubleshooting

Topic:

Step 2: Refine.
What is a driving question (DQ)? A DQ is a clear, focused, concise, complex, and arguable
question around which you centre your research. You should ask a question about an issue that
you are genuinely curious about.
Make your questions clearer and more focused.
Original Question or Big Idea from Brainstorm
Refined DQ: Improve your language, aim for a full sentence, and a complex question.

(in edit order)

1. How does technology affect our thinking (original)
2. How does technology affect our thinking about what it affects
3. How does technology affect how we approach problems

Step 3: Prioritize.
Pick your 3 favourite Refined Driving Questions from Step 2 and then answer the Yes or No
questions.
Favourite 3 Refined DQs
Yes or No
Is it interesting to me? Yes
Would it be interesting to others? Yes
Does it have focus? Yes
Is it just right (not too broad or too narrow)? A bit broad
Can it be researched? Hard, but will possible

1. Which Refined DQ had the most yeses?

If you have the same Refined DQ for both of these questions you can proceed to Step 4. If not,
you need to spend some time thinking which Refined DQ is best for you.
How has technology affected how we approach problems

2. Which Refined DQ would I enjoy researching the most?

How has technology affected how we approach problems

Step 4: Determine. Is it a DQ?

DQ Characteristic
Explanation/Justification
Is it open ended?
Yes
Is it the right amount of challenge?
Yes
Is it complex (does it have some layers)?
Many layers, hard
Can I create a product in response to it?
Yes
Step 5: Share. Critical Friends.
Show your work to a few classmates (your critical friends) and record their feedback below:
How I can incorporate their feedback.

Step 6: My Proposed DQ:

Show your teacher for approval and the next step.

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