There is a multitude of ideas for effective questioning in the classroom, and it’s difficult to point to one single strategy that will help you all. However, by asking good questions, and taking the time to really learn about topics and ideas, you can make the class more interesting and cohesive.
Most teachers don’t spend much time giving lectures, but learning from questions is what keeps most students interested in learning. In fact, it’s even been noted that good questions can increase a student’s understanding of concepts by up to 15 percent. That makes them far more likely to retain that information and use it in their future classes.
So where do you go for great ideas for asking questions in the classroom? The Internet offers many excellent ideas for asking questions. Many websites, like this one, have entire sections devoted to the power of asking questions.
Not only can ask questions to increase your understanding of the subject, but it can also help you develop keen analytical skills that will serve you well in the classroom. No matter what the subject you teach, there’s a way to get questions that will really engage you.
Of course, questioning isn’t limited to the classroom. It’s an important part of studying and learning. However, most people seem to think that asking questions in class is more natural – and therefore more effective – than questioning in the home.
As a matter of fact, questioning in the classroom can be more effective if done with the other students sitting around, as well. It helps to get the whole class talking and to engage their thinking.
But it’s also easy to come up with ideas for effective questioning in the classroom without having others around. You might wonder what you can learn from watching TV, for example. This is where DVD’s can come in handy.
There are several programs out there that incorporate active learning into television programming. You can sit down with your kids and watch these programs together – which makes it easier to think about the ideas you’re being taught.
You can also find ideas for active learning online. Many websites offer free instructional videos, and they’re often interactive. You can easily go back and review parts of the videos over again to refresh your memory on concepts. These videos can also serve as an introduction to various topics, helping you to brush up on weak points and look at the big picture.
The biggest advantage of using DVDs or online resources is that you never have to worry about getting the materials on-site, creating a lab, or otherwise getting your hands messy with learning objects. You can simply start playing and move on when you’re finished.
If you watch a few instructional videos, you’ll be able to pick up the different approaches used in a classroom and apply them to your own teaching style. But even if you’re just watching a single video, you can get ideas for active learning. As the teacher, just use the tips and techniques that are appropriate for your students.
Even if you’re using a textbook as your textbook, you can still come up with some interesting ideas for asking questions. One thing you can do is compare questions from the textbook with the kind of questions you’re likely to ask in a classroom.
For example, you can compare math questions with reading questions. Other ways to do this is to read the chapters as a group or to read the chapter listing and then ask yourself what you would have asked in each section.
When you use ideas for effective asking questions in the classroom, you’re teaching students to think logically rather than giving answers that are politically correct or easy to remember. It will require some research on your part, but it will pay off. You’ll notice a more interactive and engaged class.
Your students will be excited about learning. It will show them that asking questions isn’t boring or silly.
