Unleashing Curiosity in the Classroom: Using “See, Think, Wonder” to Spark Deeper Learning
Curiosity is the first step toward real learning. Yet, in our informative loaded curriculum, teachers can struggle to find ways to help students ask the kinds of creative, open-ended questions that drive understanding. One teacher, Serena, from St Paul College, Raheny, is tackling this challenge with an approach that uses a simple tool: the See, Think, Wonder framework. Let’s take a closer look at how this framework - dubbed the Creative Questioning Initiative in her school - is empowering students to think beyond the textbook.
What is “See, Think, Wonder”?
If you’re a teacher or educator looking to inspire curiosity and build critical thinking skills in students, the See, Think, Wonder framework is an effective strategy. At its core, it’s a way of encouraging students to explore a topic through deep, creative questioning. As Serena puts it:
“It's a way of encouraging deeper questioning while also creating cross-curricular creative thinking... It's really a skill about asking questions, because we have to be able to ask questions before we can solve a problem.”
Students are introduced to a topic and then invited to go through three steps:
See: What do they observe? This could be facts, details, or surface-level information.
Think: What do these observations make them wonder about?
Wonder: What questions do they have?
The beauty of this framework is in its simplicity - it’s easy to introduce, doesn’t require a lot of time, and can be adapted to a range of topics across multiple subjects. By encouraging students to formulate questions, it helps them approach learning from a perspective of curiosity and personal exploration. This way, learning becomes not just about absorbing information but about discovering meaning and relevance.
A Whole-School Impact
Overall, there has been a positive reception within the school community. Teachers and school management alike have shown enthusiasm, particularly as the framework has been woven into various activities, including the school’s open night, which piqued the interest of both colleagues and parents. Serena notes:
“Management has been very positive about it and there’s been some very good feedback from them... Our Wonder Wall is right by the front door and is a great visual. The students' questions are displayed there and it’s updated when I can get around to it.”
The Wonder Wall—a central display of students’ questions—is a significant visual element. It gives students a sense of ownership over their questions and reminds everyone who enters the school that curiosity is encouraged and celebrated here.
Surprising Outcomes and Insights
One of the most rewarding aspects of implementing See, Think, Wonder has been seeing the kinds of questions students generate. These questions give a unique glimpse into their thought processes, sometimes revealing ideas or insights that might not have come up in a more structured, teacher-led lesson. This approach creates an environment where students feel safe to think aloud and develop ideas that might challenge their assumptions or push the boundaries of what they know.
“I’m always surprised by their questions. Some are really brilliant questions. This framework offers a space for them to think about these ideas where they might not have in other classes.”
Challenges Along the Way
Of course, bringing an initiative like this to life isn’t without its hurdles. Initially, the teacher anticipated having everything ready by mid-term break, but found the process more time-consuming than expected.
“I very optimistically thought I’d have it ready by the mid-term break but it took longer. Especially with the poster design. I really wanted them to be a teaching tool rather than a decoration. They needed to be really clear and striking.”
From designing educational posters that would be both visually appealing and practical, to getting support from school leadership and collaborating with other staff, her journey has required careful planning and flexibility.
Key Learnings and Future Potential
Reflecting on the experience, this teacher sees even more potential in See, Think, Wonder, especially as a tool for interdisciplinary learning.
“With more collaboration, you could get some amazing things out of it...using the questions generated in one subject in the other subjects to help create more links.”
Imagine a school-wide topic—such as sustainability—explored from different disciplinary perspectives: in science, students might ask questions about environmental impact; in geography, they might consider population density or resource distribution; in literature, they might explore themes of environmental ethics. The framework could help weave these threads together, giving students a truer understanding of such complex issues.
Advice for Other Educators
If you’re considering trying out See, Think, Wonder in your own classroom or school, here’s some advice from Serena:
“Just give it a go. You have to experiment. If it doesn't work the first time, that’s okay. Just be open to trying things. This isn't very time-consuming... so it shouldn’t be difficult to make part of a teacher’s teaching practice.”
The key is to start small, with one topic or question, and gradually build up from there. Each class might use the framework slightly differently, but the underlying goal remains the same: fostering curiosity and a love for learning.
Final Reflections
When asked about the overall journey, the teacher expressed a sense of fulfilment and excitement in being part of something that grew from an idea into a school-wide initiative:
“I've really enjoyed this and found it really fulfilling... As a practising teacher, getting to develop something like this is really exciting. I’m so glad I said yes to being part of the project.”
The See, Think, Wonder framework has proven to be more than just a questioning tool—it’s a catalyst for creative thinking, collaborative learning, and a renewed passion for knowledge. Whether you’re an educator, a community leader, or a parent, this framework offers an accessible, impactful way to help people of all ages see the world with fresh eyes and minds that are ready to explore.
