subject: Questioning Techniques For Teachers [print this page] Questioning is a key aspect of the teaching and the learning process. It is a method of checking learners understanding of the subject. Questions by the teachers should be framed in such a way that it inspires the students to use their cognitive thought process to the maximum. Therefore, questions must be such which touch the level of complexity for students.
Questions should draw pupils into the learning process as well as check their acquisition of knowledge. Tackling questions benefits learners as it encourages engagement and focuses their thinking on key concepts and ideas. If a teacher formulates questions of high order it will enhance the development of thinking and dialogue process of students.
The act of asking questions helps teachers keep students actively involved in the lessons and pace their lessons and moderate student behavior. Also, it helps teachers to evaluate student learning and revise their lessons as necessary. While answering these questions, students can benefit by hearing different explanations by their peers. Questioning provides opportunity to students to openly express their ideas and thoughts.
Some Key Elements of Questioning
A teacher must focus on purpose of the question. Identifying it can help the teacher to gauge how effectively pupils are learning.
Good questioning can help students to articulate their understanding of the subject.
Questions must be posed as the challenge to the students and opportunity should be given to the students for successful answering.
Questions not only help teachers to analyze but assist them in forward planning.
Questions help in improving students communication and social skills.
It builds confidence in the students.
Ways to Draft Good Questions
Another challenge for teachers is to draft interesting and effective questions for the class. Mainly effective questioning has two important elements
First --speakers ability to construct and dispense the question well.
Second listeners ability to provide answers based on background knowledge and experiences
Considering the questioning technique as a learning device, educators must frame the question being deliberate, and thoughtful about both question and the answer.
As it is rightly said good learning starts with questions and not the answers. Therefore, teachers must encourage students not only to answer but also to question facts and information taught in the class. This will not only enhance their presence in class but will also broaden their horizon and outlook towards life.
