What to Know to Ask Effective Questions as a Teacher
By: Noah Armstrong
As a student in high school I was one to ask questions and even argue with teachers until I thoroughly understood the subject being taught. Unfortunately students like this are a rarity. We all remember the Students who knew they wouldn't get the question right and didn't even bother to try, or those that just didn't care about class.
According to Ben Johnson's "The Right Way To Ask Questions In The Classroom" Questions need to be provocative and encourage answers. and to do that you have to understand the mentality of your students. The "not smart" kids are happy to let the "smart" kids answer questions and are so relieved if they are not the ones called on in a call out situation that they really don't pay attention to the question or answer. Needless to say the "I don't care" students just don't care if you call on them or not and really couldn't care less if the smart kid gets it right.
The solution is to change how we ask questions. Instead of asking close ended questions that require a simple yes or no or simple prefabricated statement we need to start asking open ended questions that lead to discussion.
To solve the attention problem of the two thirds of the class that are not "smart" teachers sould ask the question, wait for a few seconds, and then randomly choose a student. This makes them all think because they don't know if they will be the ones to be called on or not. You have to keep it random so that the student doesnt think "Oh, I have answered my question today" and zone out for the rest of the class. (A "Wheel of Jeopardy" spinner would come in handy)
The questions that we ask are what guides the critical thinking of the students. We can present the facts and lessons of our subject and we are really nothing more than a overpaid Google search. The understanding and debate and discussion that our questions spark is what makes us a teacher.
You need to be sure and add in links to each article or video you are referring to! Good blog overall!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you were the type of students to ask questions and argue with teachers until you understood what they were teaching. I was always the type that was scared to speak up for fear of getting the answer wrong. I had classes in high school with students similar to you and their questions and outspoken nature helped me to learn as well. Not only is it important for teachers to ask questions that spark a deeper level of thinking in their students; it is also important I think for them to create an environment that helps students feel comfortable answering those questions. Nice blog, I really liked your "wheel of jeopardy" spinner idea.
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