The significance of asking What versus Why. :: essays research papers

Asking why is often a reasonable way to find out information. However, in some circumstances it limits the response and circumvents the objective for withdrawing the question. When trying to resolve behavioral issues request why tends to lead a student on a mental chase of cause and effect. While this process is generally helpful for critical thinking, it does not necessarily promote beneficial and on-going self-reflection. Watch someone when you ask why and youll often see her/his eyes looking up as if s/he can see into her/his brain and get the answer. However, the brain is not where feelings reside it is where they are intellectually processed. Consequently, asking a student why is essentially asking for an explanation. Therefore, asking why often promotes a sense of clash and judgment which puts a student on the defensive, as if s/he has to justify her/himself to you. As a result the situation has become about your needfully not hers/his. On the other hand, asking what is a n eutral question which does not imply judgment. It is a simple question which promotes a reporting of events and/or feelings an important first step when trying to resolve behavioral issues. Asking what focuses the students attention inward to the heart of the matter... literally the heart, the essence of the consume the feelings. Asking what is a non-confrontational question that gives someone the opportunity to relate her/his experience not to judge it and/or feel judged about it. Equally important is that asking what gives the questioner the opportunity to listen without prejudice. If we truly wish to help a student change and grow then the first step is to honor her/his feelings as valid.