Attributes of a Powerful Question
Which of the attributes of a powerful question will you add to your questions? How will this help you in your work with students and peers?
The attribute of possibility is one I will use...I see this as a very positive direction for a conversation with a potential student, to help them visualize achieving their goals
Janet,
Excellent! You're absolutely right...many times prospective students already have the answers deeply hidden, and it's up to you to bring them to the surface through your powerful questions. Thank you for your post!
Elizabeth Wheeler
Thomas,
Great awareness! Simple questions are much more powerful. Thank you for your post!
Elizabeth Wheeler
I will work more on keeping my questions simple. Meeting my student where they are and breaking down some of the more complex questions that may have a person searching to understand my question rather than focusing on an answer.
I will use exploration to help students think in a deeper level about their goals and what they need to succeed professionally. Very often when students are confused they don’t realize they have the answers and the solutions are clearly there. Also as admissions representatives we often overlook relevant information that could be better understood if we seek for more details.
Erin,
You're absolutely right! Asking exploration questions in the right way will help prospective students to discover things about themselves, too. Thank you for posting!
Elizabeth Wheeler
For me, the two attributes I would like to strengthen in my questioning techniques are possibilities and exploration. First, I would like to use more possibility questions to assist students in realizing they need to make a change in their life. I think this type of thought provoking question could really be useful if a student is in question of withdrawing from school. Possibility questions will make them think about the commitment they made and why it is so important to change the current situation they are in. Second, I would like to use more exploration questions in my interviews. I am a little hesitant when it comes to digging for more information in relation to student obstacles. Instead of feeling like I am probing a student, if a question is effectively phrased I can invite deeper exploration into a topic; thus, making the student at ease when discussing a certain issue.
Christina,
Thank you for sharing! Great awareness...questions with postive energy will certainly go a long way toward keeping a prospective student engaged at a time when they are taking a big step and may be uncomfortable.
Dr. Jean Norris
I think the use of energy is extremely important; more specifically, positive energy. The decision to further one's education can be a big, uncomfortable step- especially when talking with a non-traditional student. By keeping a positive energy flow by asking the appropriate questions, I can usually keep a prospective engaged and excited about their educational journey.
I plan to incorporate EXPLORATION in my questions. This will allow students to open up to different options to consider in issue resolution as well as provide more detailed information from the student.
I would add exploration. I feel the exploration attribute of a powerful question is important because a student may not always be forthcoming with their true motivation. Asking the right and most effective exploration questions will force their true motivation out.
Tina, Another great insight! Opening your ears to hear what the student is saying, and honing in on the important things said will allow your questions to be directed at the heart of the matter.
Dr. Jean Norris
I would like to harness more energy into my questions with students. I liked the idea of finding where the student's energy already is, and using that picture in my mind from the Power Point of the wind will help. I need not create the energy myself, but rather find the direction the wind is going and use it. Often I think I will be less exhausted at the end of a conversation with a student if I simply can find where their motivation currently lies and tap into that.
Erica, Great awareness. It's easy to know when you didn't ask the right question because of the response you get! :) Taking a step back to re-evaluate the question is a great idea! Thank you for posting.
Elizabeth Wheeler
I will apply simplicity to my powerful questions. Sometimes when trying to impresss a prospect student I tend complicate the questions. I believe that by simplifying my questions, it will allow my peers and students to be more receptive as well understand me better.
