When it comes to writing research questions for primary school assignments, it can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. However, by following a few simple steps, you can create practical research questions that will help guide your child’s research and ensure that they can complete their assignment successfully.
Step 1: Identify the Topic
The first step in creating research questions is to identify the topic that your child will be researching. This can be done by looking at the assignment instructions or by brainstorming with your child to determine what topic they are interested in exploring. Once you have identified the topic, you can start to think about the specific questions that your child will need to answer to complete the assignment.
Step 2: Brainstorm Questions
The next step is to brainstorm a list of questions related to the topic. These open-ended questions should encourage your child to think critically about the topic. For example, if the topic is “The Solar System,” some possible questions could include:
- What are the different planets in our solar system?
- How do the planets in our solar system differ from each other?
- What is the sun and how does it relate to the planets in our solar system?
- What are some of the biggest mysteries about our solar system?
Encourage your child to think creatively and come up with as many questions as possible. This will give them a range of options when it comes time to start their research.
Step 3: Refine the Questions
Once you have a list of questions, it’s time to refine them to make sure they are focused and specific. This will help ensure that your child’s research is targeted and that they can find the information they need to answer the question. For example, instead of the broad question “What are the different planets in our solar system?” you might refine it to “What are the characteristics of each planet in our solar system?”
Step 4: Prioritise the Questions
Not all questions are created equal, and it’s important to help your child prioritize the questions they will be researching. Some questions may be more important to the assignment than others, or your child may be interested in exploring certain topics. Work with your child to prioritize the questions and determine which ones they will focus on for their research.
Step 5: Write the Research Questions
Now that you have a list of focused and prioritised questions, it’s time to write them out clearly and concisely. Ensure that each question is written in a way that is easy for your child to understand and specific enough to guide their research. For example, a well-written research question might look like this: “What are the characteristics of each planet in our solar system, and how do they differ from each other?”
Step 6: Revise and Refine
Once you have written the research questions, take some time to revise and refine them. Make sure they are clear, specific, and focused and that they will guide your child’s research in a meaningful way. You may also want your child to review the questions and make any necessary revisions or additions.
By following these simple steps, you can help your child create practical research questions that will guide their research and ensure that they can complete their assignment successfully. Remember to encourage your child to think creatively and ask questions to help them explore their topic in depth. With a little bit of guidance and support, your child will be able to complete their assignment with confidence and success.
