Be open to challenges to any assumption in your question
Occasionally your initial question will involve an assumption with which your students might disagree.
Question: Why is Jack so greedy that he cannot be content with a hen that lays golden eggs?
Student: I don't think he's greedy at all.
A challenge is a very useful opportunity for everyone to clarify the problem and sort out their thinking on the issue. Carefully considering a question, the perspective it comes from, and the assumptions it makes is a valuable critical-thinking skill. As your students see that you are open to such challenges, they will learn to be more reflective, and willing to reconsider issues and to change their mind.
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