QUESTIONING

Definition:

Teacher questioning is defined as instructional cues or stimuli that convey to students the content necessary to be a learner and directions for what they are to do and how it is to be done.

How to Use Questions:

· Prepare questions before class

· Ask questions that are:

~ Concise, including only one idea

~ Short enough for students to remember

~ Relevant to lesson objectives

~ Challenging (not obvious)

~ Designed to elicit more than a yes or no response

~ Formulated at a variety of taxonomic levels (e.g., knowledge of acts through evaluation)

· Direct questions to all class members

· Adapt questions to individual student needs and interests

· Ask question, pause, and then call on student.This allows all to formulate a response beore the answer is given

· Provide a non-critical classroom environment

· React honestly and with respect to student answers

When to Use:

· To review and summarize previous lessons

· To assess achievement of instructional goals and objectives

· To stimulate interest and awaken curiosity

· To evaluate students' preparation and check on homework or seatwork completion

· To encourage a problem-solving approach to thinking and learning

· To involve students in evaluating their understanding implicity and explicit learning

· To encourage students to "think aloud" -- to predict, anticipate and identify trends or patterns

· To help students to learn from each other and to respect and evaluate 4ach other's contributions

· To exercise students in different levels of difficulty

Examples:

Cooperative Learning Questions:

1. What do the other group members think about what_______________________ said?

2. Do you agree? Do you disagree? Why or why not?

Self-Reliant Questions:

1. Why do you think that is the correct answer?

2. Why is your answer true?

Reasoning Questions:

1. Does this answer always work? What if it doesn't?

2. Is it always true? Explain.

Critical Thinking Questions:

1. What would happen if ______________?

2. Is there a pattern? Why or why not?

Application Questions:

1. How does this information relate to _________________________?

2. What ideas, from what we have previously learned, were used to solve this problem?

Thought Process	Behavior Indicators	Learning Activities
Knowledge	List, Define	Multiple Choice, True False
Understanding	Summarize, Describe, Explain	Class Discussion, Own Words
Application/Analysis	Use Methods in New Situation	Case Studies, Role-Playing
Synthesis	Design, Create, Compose	Case Studies, Term Paper, Project
Evaluation/Judgment	Decide, Select, Criticize	Case Studies, Project

Resource:

Chuska, Kenneth, (1995).Improving Classroom Questions. Bloomington, Indiana, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation, International Headquarters.