Questioning - The Basics
If you were the mentor of a new instructor who has never taught before, what are the first three things you will share with the new instructor about using questioning effectively in the classroom?
The things I tend to share are.
Move around the room. The most common problem I notice is not moving around when questioning or lecturing.
Don’t pick the same people all the time.
If someone gives you a wrong answer don’t say “wrong†or “Noâ€. I use words like “close but, not what I’m looking for†or “hold that thought for laterâ€.
Questions do help us to check comprehension and learning. I use study guides to add additional background information. After they have done their best to answer the questions, I do a review. For each question, answered right or wrong I will ask raise hands of those that agree. Expanding on the incorrect answer until all understand why the right answer is the most correct. then I move onto the next person and question.
Laura,
This is good advice and you should share it with other teachers.
Judy Mohammed
1) Never ask a question you don't know the answer to.
2) Never tell the student they are wrong. Always try and turn it into a positive learning opportunity.
3) Give the students enough time to think about the answer. If you answer the question to quickly they will likely take all of your questions and rhetorical and not provide any answers to any questions.
1. Allow plenty of response time.
2. Besure to ask open ended questions.
3. Don't only call on students with their hands up.
Jeanne,
This is good advice. Be sure to share it with new teachers.
Judy Mohammed
I would encourage them to have all students participate in questioning by redirection if necessary, to be sure to give adequate wait times for closed ended questions, and to probe for answers if the student is on the right track or needs to be redirected.
James,
Do you use questioning often in the classroom? If so, which type of questions do you prefer to use?
Judy Mohammed
Betsy,
This is great advice. Remember to share with new teachers.
Judy Mohammed
Would be the type of questions to use and the differences between them ,Closed and open type, open being comprehension and application.
Know your Course Material & Objectives!
#1 Be open to all student responses - it means you have engaged them.
#2 Thank and acknowledge an answer - and if it is not quite the answer you wanted - probe for better understanding and recall of the lesson at hand or prior lessons.
#3. Plan list questions (with at least 50% being OPEN questions) based on each day's lesson plans in your arsenal - and help increase student response, critical thinking & assimilation of material.
Kevin,
This is true and it helps to build their confidence.
Judy Mohammed
Charley,
I enjoy doing this. I always try to guide students to the answers rather than just give out the answer.
Judy Mohammed
Joseph,
Students appreciate this type of learning because it encourages critical thinking.
Judy Mohammed
Daniel,
I do the same. I try to get some part that may be right and follow up o that part.
Judy Mohammed
Jon,
I find that students are more alert and prepared in classes that use questioning effectively.
Judy Mohammed
Bryan,
We also need to remember that we are sometimes the only supporters for our students.
Judy Mohammed
James,
Great advice! Students are sometimes surprised when I come back with a question like "How" or "Why." They begin to stutter but, you are right, it keeps them on their toes. Please remember to share your advice with new instructors.
Judy Mohammed
Ulises,
These are great pieces of advice. Please remember to share these with new instructors.
Judy Mohammed
