History teacher skills: Enquiry questions

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Using enquiry questions

This History teacher video explores the importance of enquiry questions in structuring effective history teaching. It explains how the Kapow Primary scheme uses overarching enquiry questions to shape each unit, with individual lessons addressing smaller, related questions. These questions support pupils in developing their investigative and critical thinking skills by encouraging multiple interpretations rather than single answers.

The video offers guidance on using both open and closed questions to assess understanding and promote deeper thinking. Teachers are shown how to support children in generating and refining their own questions and how to revisit and reflect on them throughout the unit. Practical examples are shared, along with ideas for encouraging curiosity through visitors, artefact analysis, and local history inquiries.

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