Questioning is a very effective teaching tool that we can use in our classrooms regularly.
We can also use questioning to reach all levels of learners and attainment as long as we ensure that we are being mindful of our audience.
It would not be appropriate to pose a higher order question to one of our weaker learners just as much as simplistic, closed questions may not be enough to stretch our higher attainers.
Therefore, keeping our audience is mind is the first useful tip.
Also, questions can be intimidating.
If we use questions repeatedly, especially in the introductory elements of our lesson where we are checking for prior learning, it can become overwhelming for our students to know which question you need an answer to.
Sometimes it is more effective to begin gently with straightforward questions and ask particular students, so the class feel less worried. It is a good idea to tailor the questions to the specific student based on their attainment levels.
For example, “Yesterday we learned that adjectives were describing words. Precious, can you pick out the adjective in this sentence please?”
We could then approach a higher attainer and ask, “Why do writers use adjectives in their writing, Joseph?”
Thus, the next tip is to stage your questions accordingly, building in difficulty and gently probing rather than a quickfire barrage of questions aimed at everyone, to which we are often met with silence!
Don’t overwhelm your students.
Another effective method of using questions is for classroom management; sometimes classes and students become unfocused and perhaps disruptive. It can be useful to pick an unfocused student and ask them to explain their understanding of the topic with the aim of helping another.
For example, “Lucia, could you help me explain to Amara, what causes earthquakes please?” This allows you then to refocus Lucia as well as checking her understanding by encouraging her to “teach” another student. Everyone’s a winner!
Remember to use questions as a tool for teaching rather than an ineffective form of speech.
Improve your questioning skills with Teach2030
Questioning in the Classroom
The “Questioning in the Classroom” series will examine the significance of questioning and questioning techniques in our roles as educators. Questioning takes on a different perspective and emphasis, one in which we need to understand in detail to ensure it becomes an effective teaching tool for us.
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