5 Whys for Professional Learning and Lesson Planning: Find Your Purpose

As an instructional coach and teacher, I’m always looking for ways to make my professional learning sessions or lesson plans more impactful. The secret lies in asking one simple technique: The 5 Whys.

I was recently reminded by Elena Aguilar in The PD Book, of the 5 Whys technique and how it’s such a powerful tool for uncovering our “why” and ensuring that our efforts are purposeful and aligned with real needs. Whether I’m designing professional development (PD) workshops or a teacher crafting lessons, this method ensures my efforts are purposeful and responsive to the diverse needs of my learners.

What is the 5 Whys Technique?

The 5 Whys is a reflective method used to dig deeper into the root purpose of a goal by repeatedly asking “Why?”—usually five times. I first came across it during my coaching training but Aguilar highlighted it as a powerful tool to clarify intentions and create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences.

Why Purpose Matters in Professional Development and Lesson Planning

A clear purpose is essential for fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) in education:

• For Coaches: PD sessions that are purposeful can address inequities, amplify diverse voices, and inspire meaningful change.
• For Teachers: Lesson plans that are rooted in purpose can engage all students, respect cultural differences, and connect to real-world issues.

Purposeful planning ensures resources, time, and energy are focused on creating equitable and inclusive learning environments.

Using the 5 Whys for Professional Learning and Lesson Planning

Here’s how you can apply the 5 Whys technique to your work:

For Instructional Coaches: Designing DEIB-Focused PD

1. Start with a broad goal, e.g., “I want to create a PD session on inclusive teaching strategies.”
2. Ask “Why?” five times:
   • Why do teachers need this training?
   • Why is inclusive teaching essential for our students?
   • Why does this matter in our school’s context?
   • Why is this the best approach right now?
   • Why am I passionate about this work?

For Teachers: Designing Inclusive Lessons

1. Begin with a lesson goal, e.g., “Teach students to analyse historical events from multiple perspectives.”
2. Ask “Why?” five times:
   • Why is analysing multiple perspectives important?
   • Why does this skill matter in today’s diverse world?
   • Why is this relevant to my students’ lives?
   • Why will this approach engage all learners?
   • Why do I believe this is worth exploring?

Examples of the 5 Whys in Action

For Coaches (PD Example):

• Initial Goal: “Run a workshop on equity in classroom discussions.”
  • Why? To help teachers facilitate balanced conversations.
  • Why? To ensure all voices, including quieter students, are heard.
  • Why? To foster a sense of belonging in every classroom.
  • Why? To improve student engagement and participation.
  • Why? Because inclusive discussions empower every student to thrive.

For Teachers (Lesson Planning Example):

• Initial Goal: “Teach persuasive writing through a global issue.”
  • Why? To meet curriculum standards on persuasive texts.
  • Why? To connect learning to real-world challenges.
  • Why? To help students develop critical thinking skills.
  • Why? To inspire students to take action on issues they care about.
  • Why? Because student agency drives meaningful, lasting learning.

DEIB-Focused Tips for Success

1. Include Diverse Perspectives: Ensure your purpose reflects the voices, cultures, and experiences of all learners.
2. Be Intentional: Use the final “Why” to shape activities, resources, and approaches.
3. Collaborate: Engage colleagues to refine your “Whys” and foster shared ownership of inclusive practices.
4. Reflect and Revise: Revisit your purpose periodically to ensure it remains aligned with DEIB principles.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Why

By integrating the 5 Whys for Professional Learning into your practice, you’ll not only clarify your purpose but also create opportunities for transformative, equitable, and inclusive learning. Whether you’re planning PD sessions or classroom lessons, starting with “Why” ensures your work contributes to a sense of belonging and success for all.