Complete a Goal Question Assignment

What is a Goal Question? 

It’s a big, overarching question that helps you to make progress on a research goal. You can answer your Goal Question by asking and answering a series of bite-sized research questions, or Natural Next Questions (NNQs). 

Example Goal Questions

Here are some examples of Goal Questions from a variety of college classes:

• What will the Moon look like after humans have settled it?
• What is the future of theater in the time of COVID?
• How will we find extraterrestrial life and what should we do once we find it?
• What is the meaning and benefit of failure?

To launch an open inquiry research process, you must start with a Goal Question.

How do I complete the assignment?

• Log into your Learning Management System (e.g., Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle)
• Click on the Goal Question Assignment
• Click to "Open Beagle in new tab"
• Write your goal question in the text box based on the instructions provided 
• Submit your goal question

What if I'm working in a group?

• If you are working in a group, one team member in the group must submit the Goal Question for the entire team. Other team members can then edit the Goal Question.

How do I edit the goal question?

• Click the “pencil” icon next to the green box at the top of your mind map
• Write your new goal question
• Click “save” to keep your new goal question

More examples for setting your Goal Question

Watch this video by Dr. Lindy Elkins-Tanton how to write a Goal Question (used for a space exploration class).