questions
How do you avoid closed questions?
Susan,
Good job! Students often have much to share and sometimes are unaware of how much they already know. Probing helps with this.
Judy Mohammed
Sometimes closed questions can accomplish your objectives. When I am teaching a new math concept, I will often ask closed questions about prior knowledge so that the students will apply what they already know to the new topic. They then feel less threatened about something "new." It also may help them define the steps needed to solve problems with this new concept. My students in general math classes respond well to this procedure and do not feel intimidated about asking questions.
Advanced math topics would probably warrant more open questions that require students to process prior knowledge and apply it to the current topic.
Kryste,
There is no need to avoid closed questions. I use them often in classes, however, I use more open-ended because my students open up more with these. Sometimes, when I am running out of time and want to complete my planned lesson, I ask closed questions to keep on track.
Judy Mohammed
