If the textbook holds the answers, What are the questions?

When I went through school, the questions that we were asked were based on what we would find in our textbook.  Reading a chapter and then answering the questions at the end of the chapter was a common practice.  I now know that this does not provide the opportunity to build deeper understandings or connections.

A better approach is to use the information in the textbook as a launching point for thought provoking, essential questions.  Instead of having students recite the facts in the book, use the facts to find connections, make inferences, and build a deeper understanding.  

By creating units around essential questions, it gives students opportunities to look for certain relationships, connections, inferences, and and ask their own questions.  It opens the door for conversations of the facts and how these facts help build this deeper understanding.

The traditional way - memorizing facts and dates, also does not lead to long term understanding.  I cannot recall much of the things I learned in my Social Studies classes.  I believe this is because I was never asked to answer provoking, engaging questions.  When you are engaged in higher level thinking, it stays with you, you remember it longer.  

This new way to approach teaching is an interesting concept.  Create essential questions that you unit will try to answer.  This brings about discussions with your students, questioning from your students, and sometimes surprising answers.