It may be worthwhile to explore the metaphor of a cathedral. If we forget the foundations and the flying buttresses, the stained glass windows and soaring spires will have no enduring value. We are fighting a long school history of topical research. This tradition has led to information gathering but little analysis or thought. Essential questions set students and staff free from this tedious and wasteful ritual.
Research becomes motivating and meaningful.
Essential questions spark our curiosity and sense of wonder. They derive from some deep wish to understand some thing which matters to us. Answers to essential questions cannot be found. They must be invented. It is something like cooking a great meal.