Abstract

This study describes two types of questions higher education students can ask – transactional or transformational. The terms “transactional” and “transformational” are commonly juxtaposed in leadership studies for purposes of offering insight into leadership style. The problem is transactional questions do not facilitate learning as they focus more on simply completing tasks, much like in leadership where a transactional leader is more concerned with immediate, finite details than ultimate vision. Not much literature is available that directly addresses the types of questions students ask. Therefore, primary research was conducted that involved observing student questions asked within class context; the questions were then analyzed and categorized as either transactional or transformational. The results are described and their implications contemplated. The paper concludes with suggestions the higher education sector could implement that might encourage more of a transformational student mindset.

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