Five Whys

What Five Whys
When

At any time to promote deep thinking through questioning

Process

To employ a "Five Whys” a question, problem or issue is asked. This is answered by asking "why ?".

The answer then becomes the question and 'why' is then asked again

The process is repeated five times with the final answer providing a deeper example of student thinking.

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Example:

 Q. Why am I returning to Year 11?
A. Because I would like to attain my Higher School Certificate.

Q Why do I want to receive my Higher School Certificate?
A. Because I would like to study Art at the University?

Q. Why would I like to study Art at the University?
A. Because it it will allow me to gain employment in an area I am particularly interested in.

Q. Why is important to gain employment in an area I am interested in?
A.  This will enable me to have job and personal satisfaction

Q. Why is important for me to have job and personal satisfaction?
A. So that my life will be more fulfilling

 

Sample Uses

 

Download

 

 Download a Five Whys proforma in MS Word

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