Blog Post #4

  Asking Questions: What questions do we ask? How do we ask?

I am currently enrolled in a class where I am required to spend time in schools, and I have been observing a second grade class at Faith Academy. Every time the teacher ask a question, almost all of the children raise their hands frantically and jump up and down in their chairs hoping that they're lucky enough to be chosen. Sometimes, the kids don't even know the answer, but they want to give it a shot anyways. Somewhere along the line, this all changes. Students go from begging to answer the question, to praying the teacher doesn't call on them. I know I am guilty of this, along with many of my classmates. In high school, I made excellent grades, but I had absolutely no interest in answering the teacher's questions, and I never had to. I think that one reason students are reluctant to answer question is a fear of speaking in front of their classmates. Public speaking is the number one fear in the world, followed by death. Other times, students just have no interest and are not motivated to think of a response. After going over all of the material Dr. Strange provided us, I have found that there are many things we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher.

Three Ways to Ask Better Questions in the Classroom has some great suggestions for asking better questions. The first suggestion they make is to plan what questions you are going to ask before you teach the lesson. Many times, teachers don't even think about this. They end up asking the same old question, "Does everyone understand?" After reading The Right Way to Ask Questions in the Classroom, I learned that this question is pointless. Students may not even know that they don't understand something. Instead of asking this useless question, try asking more specific, open-ended questions, that require thought. Once you ask this question, how do you get a response?

In the video, Questioning Styles and Strategies, the teacher uses many techniques to get the students involved and answering questions. One technique that is used is random calling. This ensures that all of the students are paying attention and thinking of answers in case they are called on. Another techniques he uses is student calling. This is very similar to random calling, but it gives the students an opportunity to make the decision on who will answer the next question. He also uses wait time. This gives students time to think and formulate an answer before responding to the question.

These are just a few things that are important to know about asking questions effectively. There are many techniques you can use to get students involved in answering question, and keeping their attention. Personally, I believe the most important thing to do is to ask open-ended questions. Making sure that all students get asked questions frequently is another excellent way to keep their attention. Students are more likely to answer if they think they will be called on in front of the class or are involved and interested.