Assignment # 4 What Questions Do We Ask? How Do We Ask?

Asking questions is an inevitable part of being an educator. A major part of our careers will be asking, and answering an array of questions. As professionals, and educators for the future it is extremely important to ask the right questions in the right manner. In order to have students dig deeper and give a well thought out answer we must phrase questions correctly.

Joanne Chesley Makes a great point on open ended questions vs close ended questions. When asking a question that is close ended we should expect a short answer such as, yes or no. When we rephrase a question in ways that will help a student expand their thoughts, it can help teach them on a higher level. I see the importance of this topic, it can make all of the difference in learning process when we make a person really think about an answer. When you avoid leading questions, and give the student a chance to collect their thoughts, they will be able to come up with answers perhaps they did not even expect themselves to know.

In the article Asking Questions to Improve Learning there are some great points made. Active learning should definitely extent beyond the classroom. When we engage with students, and ask questions that can touch a student in a way that triggers their thought process beyond class, we are on the right track. Showing interest in our students answers even if we do not agree is so important to keep students interested. Also making students elaborate on questions rather than vague answers is also important. Many students need that extra push to get their brains thinking a little more thoroughly.