By Louisa Jane Smith
In recent years, the educational landscape has seen a significant shift towards academic rigour. This includes the implementation of structured activities, such as ‘do now’ tasks that aim to maximize learning time and establish a clear framework at the beginning of lessons. Techniques such as retrieval practices, which help students access prior knowledge, and formative assessments to check for understanding, have become commonplace. While these strategies are dynamic and can enhance learning, there is pressing concern that they may inadvertently stifle a crucial component of education: the love of learning.
Many educators, including myself, have observed a growing trend where students express resentment towards learning and school. This sentiment often reflects a broader societal issue where the appreciation for education is waning. Education should be viewed as a right and a privilege, yet many students seem disconnected from this perspective. This disconnection can lead to frustration among educators who strive to instill a passion for knowledge in their students.
In addressing this concern, I propose that curiosity is a vital element in rekindling a love for learning. Curiosity can serve as a catalyst that inspires students to engage with educational material more meaningfully. Religious Education offers a unique opportunity to cultivate this curiosity within the classroom. By fostering an environment where curiosity is valued, we can encourage students to appreciate education’s intrinsic value and develop lifelong love of learning.
Historically, great thinkers like Aristotle emphasized the importance of nurturing both the mind and the heart in education. Aristotle famously stated, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” Similarly, John Burroughs pointed out that “Knowledge without love does not stick; but if love comes first, knowledge is pretty sure to follow.” Recent studies in neuroscience support these ideas, revealing that curiosity releases dopamine, which enhances memory retention and cognitive function.
Curiosity is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, driving exploration and discovery. It is this intrinsic desire to know that has propelled humanity to explore the cosmos, innovate in technology, and find cures for diseases. Curiosity is not merely an academic tool; it is a survival instinct that has shaped human history.
Understanding Different Types of Curiosity
Most curiosity is teleological, meaning it is driven by a purpose or end goal. This purpose can be intrinsic, such as a personal interest in a subject, or extrinsic, where the value lies in external factors like grades or future career opportunities. In the context of RE, the challenge is that the subject often lacks perceived intrinsic value for many teenagers. A good grade in RE may not serve as a sufficient motivator for students who do not see the subject’s relevance to their lives.
It’s easy to assume that young people today lack curiosity, especially when faced with disengagement in the classroom, poor exam performance, and persistent absenteeism. However, research suggests that children possess greater neuroplasticity than adults, making them more receptive to new ideas and information. In fact, today’s youth may be more curious than ever, absorbing vast amounts of information from the internet. The challenge lies in guiding them through this information overload, helping them critically assess what they encounter and encouraging them to ask deeper questions about their findings.
Curiosity is about more than just discovering facts; it involves questioning the validity of information and reflecting on its implications. Educators must recognize the importance of RE in fostering this kind of curiosity. Our role is not simply to teach students what to think, but how to think critically and independently.
Curiosity in Adolescents
The teenage brain is naturally inclined to challenge norms, authority, and societal expectations. This rebellious spirit aligns well with the nature of curiosity, which often questions established beliefs and encourages students to think outside the box. RE can empower students to explore their identities and values, prompting them to consider profound questions: Who am I? What do I value? How should I live my life? In a world where young people are constantly bombarded by external influences, RE provides a space for introspection and self-discovery.
Additionally, RE cultivates curiosity about others, encouraging students to ask questions about the motivations and beliefs of different individuals and communities. This can lead to a greater understanding of diversity and a reduction in prejudice. By fostering an environment of curiosity, RE can help students appreciate the complexity of human experience and promote empathy and respect for differing viewpoints.
Teaching RE effectively can make students more curious about the world around them, creating new neural pathways in their brains. This exploration can also help students focus on issues larger than themselves, which is especially important in a society grappling with mental health challenges. Engaging with topics outside their immediate experience can provide students with perspective and help them cope with their own problems. Research has shown that engaging with meaningful content can even have long-term benefits, such as reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease¹.
However, it is crucial to approach sensitive topics, such as life after death, with care and trauma-informed practices. Curiosity can make students feel vulnerable, and educators must ensure that discussions are handled with sensitivity and respect.
[THIS IS FIGURE: A black and white photograph showing what appears to be a child or young person, credited to Brian Donovan on flickr.com © CC BY-SA 2.0, with the caption “Curiosity.”]
The Transferable Skills Developed Through Curiosity
Beyond curiosity, many skills taught in RE are transferable to other areas of life. For instance, students learn to identify flaws in arguments, which enhances their critical thinking abilities, and, whether students pursue careers in science, journalism, law, or entrepreneurship, the ability to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and critically evaluate evidence is invaluable. As students become more competent in their understanding of RE, they are likely to find the subject more relevant and engaging. This newfound competence can also translate to improved performance in other subjects and in life overall.
In today’s world, where social media and political discourse are filled with misinformation and fallacies, the ability to critically assess arguments is essential. Students equipped with a solid understanding of logical reasoning are better prepared to navigate the complexities of modern society. For example, they learn to recognize techniques like ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, and false dilemmas, allowing them to engage in discussions with a more informed perspective.
Furthermore, RE encourages students to navigate moral dilemmas and engage in philosophical debates. Research by Wendy L. Ostroff in Cultivating Curiosity² demonstrates that students who are genuinely curious tend to show higher levels of enthusiasm and engagement in their learning. When students are given the opportunity to explore controversial topics and express their opinions, they not only deepen their understanding but also develop a sense of empowerment in their decision-making processes.
Substantive knowledge—the actual content taught in RE—naturally lends itself to fostering curiosity. RE addresses profound questions about existence, purpose, and morality. Topics such as the meaning of life, where we go after death, and the nature of good and evil capture students’ imaginations and stimulate their curiosity. However, it is essential to recognize that simply presenting this knowledge does not guarantee that students will engage with it. Teachers must actively foster curiosity by creating a learning environment that invites exploration.
One theory, known as deprivation curiosity, suggests that curiosity arises when gaps in knowledge are highlighted. Similar to the experience of solving a puzzle, students may feel compelled to seek answers when they encounter something they do not understand. However, we must be cautious not to create anxiety in the classroom; instead, we should focus on exposing students to diverse beliefs and practices that broaden their horizons.
Fostering curiosity about diversity can have numerous benefits, including improving cultural capital and leveling the playing field for all students. Not every student has the opportunity to travel or experience different cultures firsthand. By introducing them to world religions and diverse perspectives, we can cultivate open-mindedness and appreciation for differences, ultimately breaking down misconceptions and prejudices.
Creating a Curious Classroom Environment
Curiosity thrives in a classroom where students are actively engaged. When students are passive or bored, their curiosity diminishes. Moreover, curiosity requires challenges that stimulate critical thinking. The concept of “desirable difficulty” suggests that students must be presented with tasks that are challenging yet achievable. If a task is too easy, they may disengage; if it is too difficult, they may feel overwhelmed.
To foster curiosity, educators should provide scaffolding to support students in reaching beyond their comfort zones. This can include dual coding, modeling, step-by-step instructions, and creating a safe space for mistakes. It is crucial to make the subject relevant to students’ lives, incorporating personal reflections, current events, and transferable skills.
One effective way to generate curiosity is by making connections between different subjects and concepts. For instance, when discussing the Northern Lights, educators can prompt students to consider what ancient civilizations might have believed about the phenomenon. Linking geography and religion in this way encourages students to think critically about how different disciplines intersect.
Accessing prior knowledge, or schemas, is also vital in cultivating curiosity. When students can connect new information to what they already know, they become more confident and curious learners. Helping students recognize patterns and relationships will enable them to develop a more profound understanding of the world around them.
Deci and Ryan’s research on cognitive evaluation theory emphasizes that activities fulfilling basic psychological needs, such as competence, lead to intrinsic motivation. If tasks are too easy, students may not feel competent, while verbal praise can enhance their sense of efficacy. Educators must design lessons that present appropriate challenges while providing the support necessary for students to succeed.
Evidence of curiosity in the classroom is often reflected in the quality of questions posed by students. Teachers should create space for students to formulate and ask questions, emphasizing the importance of crafting good inquiries. Questions that start with “why” often lead to deeper exploration than those that simply seek factual answers. Encouraging students to write multiple questions and select their best ones can lead to richer discussions.
Effective questioning techniques are essential in fostering curiosity. Teachers can plan deliberate questions that provoke thought and discussion. Using the ‘what if’ method can also inspire imaginative thinking and exploration of alternative perspectives. Additionally, educators should consider not accepting a student’s first answer, prompting them to dig deeper and refine their thoughts.
Addressing students’ self-consciousness is critical to fostering curiosity. Many students are hesitant to ask questions for fear of ridicule or making mistakes. Utilizing strategies like show-me boards allows students to express their ideas in a low-pressure environment. Pair discussions can also create a sense of safety, allowing students to share their thoughts without the fear of judgment.
Analogies can bridge the gap between students’ experiences and abstract concepts in RE. When discussing rituals, educators can compare unfamiliar practices to relatable experiences, helping students understand their significance. For example, the ritual of blowing out birthday candles can serve as an analogy for understanding the meaning behind different religious ceremonies.
Stories are powerful tools for fostering curiosity, as they often convey deep meanings and emotional connections. The parables of Jesus, for example, can illustrate complex moral teachings in a relatable manner. Educators must ensure that students understand the context of these stories, enriching their comprehension and appreciation.
Interactive learning experiences, such as the “Choose Your Own Adventure” model, can also enhance curiosity in the classroom. By allowing students to explore different paths based on their interests, educators empower them to take ownership of their learning and engage with content more deeply.
Children have heightened neuro-sensitivity, making sensory and experiential learning particularly effective. Incorporating artifacts, music, or even smells into lessons can evoke curiosity and enhance memory retention. For instance, when studying cosmology, presenting inspiring facts about the universe can captivate students’ attention and spark curiosity about the world beyond our planet.
In addition to engaging content, using well-chosen videos can foster curiosity. Visual stimuli that present awe-inspiring concepts can capture students’ imaginations and encourage them to ask questions. Incorporating engaging media into lessons can transform the learning experience and make abstract ideas come to life.
While curiosity is essential for engagement, it is equally important to translate that curiosity into high-quality writing. Effective reading materials, including scholarly articles and well-structured examples, expose students to good writing practices and vocabulary. Educators can model the writing process by collaborating with students to create structured pieces of work, helping them develop their writing skills.
Providing clear writing structures, such as sentence starters and organized frameworks, can also support students in crafting coherent and compelling essays. As students gain confidence in their writing abilities, they become more inclined to express their ideas and reflections.
It is important to recognize what does not foster curiosity in the classroom. Educators should avoid assuming that subject material alone will inspire curiosity; finding the right hook is essential. Additionally, teachers must be mindful of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their students. Factors such as financial insecurity or emotional distress can hinder curiosity, as students may prioritize immediate concerns over exploration.
Intellectual arrogance can also stifle curiosity. Teachers should avoid showcasing their knowledge in a way that may discourage students from seeking their own answers. Instead, educators should focus on empowering students to discover information independently, guiding them to ask the right questions and find solutions.
Lastly, while encouraging questions is vital, it is crucial to maintain focus during lessons. Random questions can derail discussions, so teachers should establish guidelines for productive inquiry that enhance the learning experience.
Conclusion: Cultivating a Curiosity-Driven Classroom
Curiosity is at the heart of effective education. By fostering an environment that values curiosity, educators can inspire students to engage with learning in meaningful ways. RE offers a unique platform to cultivate curiosity, allowing students to explore their identities, challenge assumptions, and appreciate diverse perspectives.
As educators, our role is to guide students through their learning journeys, empowering them to ask questions, think critically, and develop a love for learning. By implementing strategies that promote curiosity, we can create classrooms that nurture inquisitive minds and prepare students for a complex, ever-changing, world.
To begin this journey, educators should start small. Identify one aspect of your teaching that can be infused with curiosity, whether through an engaging question, an interesting fact, or a novel approach to a lesson. Gradually, these small changes will accumulate, transforming your classroom into a space where curiosity flourishes, ultimately enriching the educational experience for your students.
Louisa Jane Smith is the founder and producer of the RE Podcast, ‘the podcast for those of you who think that RE is boring’. There have been 15 series of the Podcast, during which Louisa has interviewed dozens of leading thinkers and practitioners in the RE world. She has been an RE teacher for nearly 25 years and is now an RE Consultant for the Harris Federation working with schools in London to improve outcomes for all children regardless of background. She is also a member of the NATRE executive and is undertaking the RE Leadership course with Culham St Gabriel.
Footnotes:
- Prashanthi Vemuri et al. ‘Association of lifetime intellectual enrichment with cognitive decline in the older population.’ JAMA neurology vol. 71,8 (2014): 1017-24. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2014.963
- Wendy Ostroff (2016). Cultivating Curiosity in K-12 Classrooms. ASCD.