-When and what type of question
-Responding to questions
-Questioning styles and strategies
-Conclusion
We need to know when to ask a question and what type of question to use at that moment. If we prepare our questions along with the lesson plan or lecture we can effectively direct when we question and what type or types of questions are needed. If the teacher would like the class to go into a discussion, an open question can be asked. Open questions encourage discussion because of the different answers each student will present. If a more controlled environment is desired, closed questions can be asked. Closed questions are usually "yes" or "no" answers and leave little for discussion. If closed questions are asked, encourage the student to explain how or why they came to their conclusion. We can be specific and clear when we ask a question and try to avoid being too vague. If the student does not understand the question they will not be able to answer at all.
Now that we know some of the techniques of asking questions, we must master the art of responding to questions. We should give the students time to think about the question in order to answer it. A question can be put up on Power Point or the board during the lecture or lesson for the students to think upon. We can ask the students to think on that question and write a few ideas or possible answers down. During the middle or at the end of the lesson we can ask the students what their answers are and discuss how they came to that answer. When the answers do come acknowledge the student with eye contact, or a gesture. We can also acknowledge a student's answer by asking another student to expand on the previous student's answer. Do NOT seem uninterested in any answer or question, it could stop that student's learning dead in their tracks. If an incorrect answer is given point out why it is incorrect then ask a follow up question that will lead the student to the correct answer.
Keeping the students engaged can be difficult. If we use different styles of questioning we can liven things up a little bit. Physical representation can be used. This is when a student shows the class what he/she is thinking. A good example would be a girl acting like a princess she just read about. Pair sharing encourages students to pair up and compare and contrast ideas. Students can keep a "learning log or journal" where the student writes down especially interesting points about the lesson. The teacher can use the survey technique to see how many students are thinking the same ideas.
In conclusion, I personally believe what we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher is answered with one simple word... Listen! If we listen to our students we will be able to develop better and more thought provoking questions. We will also be able to better understand them, effectively making us better educators.
RESOURCES: Ben Johnson- The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom
The Teaching Center- Asking Questions to Improve Learning
Maryellen Weimer,PhD- Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom
Thoughtful Classroom- Questioning Styles and Strategies
I enjoyed reading your post. I especially liked that you included examples. This gives others a good idea of what to expect in the classroom. Knowing how to keep students engaged is a very important task when it comes to teaching.
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