The Value of Effective Questioning

In every classroom regardless of grade level, teachers are either answering questions or asking them. Effective teachers use both of these opportunities to create learning bridges or extensions to the desired learning outcomes.

Just what are learning bridges or extensions? Well, some people call them “teachable moments” or an opportunity to enable students to make relevant connections or in some way enrich the learning experience. Some master teachers actually use an inquiry-based approach where one question and response leads to more and more. Ultimately students are engaged in higher order thinking skills (analysis, evaluation and synthesis levels) and are active participants in the learning process.

Let’s look for example, at an elementary lesson focusing on the Solar System. The teacher begins the lesson by assessing prior knowledge with a series of questions. Students respond and ordinarily that is that. By asking additional questions the teacher can actually provide the stimulus for extended learning. This technique also encourages active participation, critical in student retention.

This approach can also be used when a student asks a question. Instead of providing the answer, turn it into another question for the entire class – “That’s an interesting question, what do you think about that?” Again it encourages participation and when a student’s question or response is dignified, guess what? They are more likely to ask or respond again.

An obvious question comes up – “What do I do when you ask a question and there are blank stares and no response?” All teachers have been there, so this is nothing new. One technique would be to provide a little wait time and ask students to think about it for a few moments. Another would be to provide a prompt, or a hint. Many times that will be enough for students to continue. Wait time actually supports the Intrapersonal Learning Style. “It is one of those many teacher decisions that can challenge students to think for themselves as well as being an assessment tool.”
Effective questioning is also a valuable technique when checking for understanding. Most lessons are a progression of activities integrated with formal and informal assessment strategies at each stage in the progression. Responses can be verbal or written, and can lead to some pretty interesting discussions, again creating learning extensions.

The use of student slates in the elementary grades is an excellent way for teachers to assess step by step learning. Immediate knowledge of results is an effective tool that enables the teachers to move ahead with the confidence that their students are learning.

Using effective questioning skills is a technique that can be very helpful in the classroom. It is one of those many teacher decisions that can challenge students to think for themselves as well as being an assessment tool. Try it, you may find that it opens many windows to inquiry and higher order thinking skills. In today’s teaching world, it is vital to actively involve your students – it works!