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February 25, 2025 7 mins

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In this episode Jake explores Wicked Hydra, a dynamic EduProtocol from The EduProtocols Field Guide: ELA Edition, that transforms classroom inquiry by putting questions first.

In conversation with Courtney, a passionate middle school social studies teacher from Texas, we learn how Wicked Hydra shifts the responsibility for inquiry from teacher to student. Rather than delivering a single, predetermined answer, this protocol creates a question-only mind map where every query opens up new rabbit trails of inspiration and exploration.

Courtney explains how Wicked Hydra encourages students to move from surface-level questions to deeper, more insightful inquiries. Even when the first attempts are rough, practice transforms these initial queries into rich discussions that empower learners to build their own “question bank” and reclaim the wonder of curiosity.

This approach not only nurtures independent thought but also aligns with educational philosophies from leaders like John Hattie, emphasizing visible learning and the critical role of student voice.

  • Wicked Hydra empowers students to generate and refine their own questions.
  • It transforms simple observations into deep, layered inquiry.
  • The protocol challenges the habit of accepting one fixed answer.
  • It nurtures a rich, active questioning culture across all grade levels.
  • It encourages learners to explore multiple rabbit trails of thought.
  • This strategy aligns with educational theories that value student voice and visible learning.

"Wicked Hydra: The Protocol That Puts Questions First"
"Reclaiming curiosity, one question at a time."
"Transforming surface queries into deep inquiry."

Resources:
Check out The EduProtocols Field Guide: ELA Edition for more innovative strategies like Wicked Hydra.

Get Involved:
Have you tried using Wicked Hydra or a similar inquiry tool in your classroom? How do you foster a culture of deep questioning among your students? Share your story or ask your questions by leaving us a voice message on SpeakPipe. Your insights might be featured in a future episode!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a five‑star review—it helps us reach more educators and keeps the conversation going.

Keep questioning, keep exploring, and keep teaching!

Got a question? We'd love to answer it! Leave us a voicemail on SpeakPipe: https://www.speakpipe.com/whatteachershavetosay

Want more EduProtocols from Jake? Check out his book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and more.

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