Questioning
is a hot topic at the moment and if used correctly, can really have
a positive effect on pupils’ learning.
Apparently teachers ask a whopping 350 questions a day!
Sounds like a lot, right? Don't think you have anything to learn
about questioning? Well before you move on, just stop and read the
extended figures...
60% of questions are general recalling of the facts
20% actually encourage thinking
20% are routine questions such as "What are you doing?"
Not so easy to dismiss the questioning now is it? I think the
important thing to remember when regarding questioning is actually
to plan a set of questions before hand. The result doesn't
have to always determine if the pupil gets the answer right, but
should reveal something about their way of thinking.
Some useful tips with questioning include:
Using the word "why" when asking a question as it
discourages a single word answer.
Planning questions which are related to your learning
objective
If a pupil gives a wrong answer, never belittle them as this
discourages participation (and can be detrimental to behaviour),
but respond with another answer to direct them onto the
correct path.
