Why
curiosity needs a place in school curriculum?
The
joy of exploration - a hidden force that drives learning, critical thinking &
reasoning is an ability called as-‘Curiosity’.
We
recognize it in children when we see them exploring their environment,
devouring books & information, asking questions, investigating concepts,
manipulating data, searching for meaning, connecting with people & nature
and seeking new learning experiences.
Benefits
of instilling curiosity in children-
1. Prepares the brain for learning-
When children
have been piqued by the right question, they are better at learning and
remembering information. This is because curiosity puts the brain in a state
that allows it to learn and retain any kind of information.
2. Makes subsequent learning more rewarding-
This
circuit is the same one that lights up when we get something we really like,
such as candy or money, and it relies on dopamine, a "feel-good"
chemical that relays messages between neurons and gives us pride.
3. Makes mind active instead of passive-
Since
the mind is like a muscle which becomes stronger through continual exercise,
the mental exercise caused by curiosity makes mind stronger.
4. Makes mind observant of new ideas-
When children are curious about something, their mind expects and anticipates new ideas related to it. When the ideas come they will soon be recognized.
5. It opens up new
worlds and possibilities which
are normally not visible.
Curious children often spend a great deal of time reading and acquiring knowledge because they sense a gap between what they know and what they want to know - not because they are motivated by grades but they wish to explore the grounds of knowledge with freedom.
Promote curiosity by-
1. Valuing and rewarding curiosity-
When
you praise students by describing how their questions, explorations, and
investigations are contributing to their own or classroom learning, you let
them know that they are valued for their motivation, regardless of the grade
they achieve.
2. Teaching students how to ask quality questions-
Quality
questions are a vital medium for curiosity. Good questions contain
"why," "what if," and "how."
3. Noticing when kids feel puzzled or confused-
Is
there a "teachable moment" that will spark a desire to search for
answers? How can you invite students to see problems as mysteries waiting to be
solved?
4. Encouraging students to tinker-
Tinkering
might be constructive play with feelings, concepts, ideas, and materials. How
can students create a new widget, essay, blog article, poem, science
experiment, service, or product from their explorations? Tinkering with
materials, thoughts, and emotions stimulates curiosity and leads to innovative
outcomes.
5. Spreading the curiosity around-
Create
opportunities for more-curious and less-curious students to work together in
project based learning. Curiosity is contagious in groups working toward a
real-world common goal, helping to cross-pollinate questions and new ideas. By
exploring their interests, expanding upon their ideas, and engaging them in
meaningful dialogue about what matters most- curiosity is modeled.
6. Encouraging curiosity at home-
Help
parents understand the importance of curiosity in their child's development and
suggest ways that they can foster it at home. Supportive caregivers can have a
tremendous impact on developing curiosity and other essential abilities.
And
even more impressive, curiosity is linked to highly adaptive behaviors including
tolerance of anxiety and uncertainty, positive emotions, humor, playfulness,
out-of-box thinking, and a noncritical attitude -all attributes associated with
healthy social outcomes. It points students toward the knowledge, skills,
relationships and experiences that they need to live full and productive lives.
