One of the most challenging components of teaching a quality lesson is the ability to format and ask questions. Below are listed some areas in the lesson when questions can be used to promote student learning and understanding.
WHEN TO ASK QUESTIONS
We use questions at the beginning of learning experiences:
To initiate a discussion
To pique student curiosity
To focus students on a new concept or a different aspect of a concept
To access prior knowledge and experience
To consolidate previous learning
To surface misconceptions
We use questions during and following learning experiences:
To break down complex tasks and issues
To promote transfer and retention
To control shifts in discussion
To keep discussions on track
To invite student questions
To elicit student opinions
To promote student interaction
To facilitate flexible thinking
To challenge the obvious
To check for student understanding
To help students confront their misconceptions and reframe their thinking
To focus on process
To promote student evaluation of credibility of sources and strength of evidence
To cause students to consider alternative viewpoints
To help students make connections