So, if I were to construct a sentence that began as a question but ended as a sentence, which punctuation mark should I use. 

For instance: "What did you think of him because I thought he was great."  OR "What did you think of him because I thought he was great?" 

My gut instinct would be the first example because I'm not questioning whether or not he's great.  My thoughts are already established as such.  Therefore, a question mark would be inadequate.  However, it feels funny to end a sentence that started with When/Where/What/Who with a period.  So...

Also, "Furthermore, the claim also brings in the question of, what is the purpose of schools, and the complex ways schools are a place of formal and informal education for children." 

Is this sentence grammatically correct?  Thanks.  I have lived in the states for five years; I'm currently a college student, and I'm embarrassed to say that I still struggle with understanding the nuances of English grammar.

Actually, would that be "English Grammar" or "English grammar"? 

Is this sentence grammatically correct?  Thanks.  I have lived in the these states for five years. Currently, I'm  a college student, and I'm embarrassed to say that I still struggle with understanding the nuances of English grammar.

if u still living there. use I have been living..