Creating AHA! Moments: The Value of a Good Question

Blog by C3 SoftWorks

AHA Moment Definition: [Noun] a moment of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, or comprehension.

Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher, was famous for his unique teaching style that focused on simply asking questions. While many believe that reading or attending lectures is the fastest way to learn, Socrates took a different approach. He encouraged his students to think deeply by posing questions, which helped them develop their own understanding and insights.

Teach by Asking

Encourage learning through asking good questions. Posing a thought-provoking question that isn’t easily answered pushes group members to engage their minds. This engagement helps them to understand and absorb the truth. We’ve all experienced those training sessions where we listened but didn’t truly reflect. By asking good questions, you’ll prompt your group to think deeply and share their thoughts.

We remember best what we discover on our own

We often remember things more vividly when we uncover them on our own. You know that rush when you’re watching a movie you’ve seen countless times, and suddenly it all makes sense in a fresh way? It’s like a light bulb moment that gives you a new angle that feels personal. Those “aha” experiences really stick with us. When we just relay what the movie is about, we rob others of their chance to have those moments. Instead, by asking the right questions, we can prompt them to think more deeply, leading them to their own discoveries.

3 Ways to Design Good Questions for AHA! Moments

1) Start with an AHA!
Rather than kicking off your session with a lot of chatter, try to give your group a surprising insight right away. Show them an interesting video, technique, or idea that can spark new thoughts. This approach acts like a discovery switch, getting everyone ready to find even more exciting ideas as the session goes on.

2) Build in Reflection Time
Set aside time for personal reflection because great ideas are often hiding just below the surface, waiting to come out. Do this with Preview or Summary Slides and let everyone share their thoughts in small groups. This helps participants gather new ideas and see connections they might not have noticed before.

3) End with an AHA!
At the end of your session, everyone will have lots of fresh ideas and information. Add an Open Ended or Polling Questions to encourage your group to share one exciting realization they had during the session. This allows everyone to focus on key takeaways and might inspire even more exciting moments for others.

Any Questions?

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