Instructional Minute
October 11, 2022
October 10, 2023
Using Questions to Help Students Elaborate on Content
Using Effective Questioning
- Choosing and using the right kind, type and level of questions is one of the most important aspects of high impact instruction.
- Low level questioning leads to low engagement. The reverse is true about high level questions.
- Good questions engage students intellectually, hook students and gets them thinking
Using the story of Cinderella as an example:
- What was Cinderella's slipper made of? (low level - remember/closed)
- How did Cinderella's decision to go to the ball change her trajectory? (high level - evaluate/open)
Tip: Calling a students name prior to asking a question halts the thinking of the other students since they know they will not be called on. Instead, ask the question and use wait time. That way all students have to stop and think. Incorporating cold calling is another great way to achieve this.
Questioning Challenge
We challenge to take a lesson and track the types of questions you are asking. Once you have tracked the questions on the provided form (see below), discuss the results with a trusted colleague and devise next steps to further improve your instruction.
Type: Right or Wrong, Opinion
Kinds: Open or Closed
Levels: Know, Understand, Do
A few resources:
- Question Starters using Bloom's Taxonomy (document attached below)
- Evaluation Flipbook with ALL elements (attached below)
Curriculum and Pacing Guides
This link will take you to the LSD's webpage that supports K-12 Instruction. These documents can be found in the Staff Forms site as well.
Workshop Model Lesson Plan Form to Assist in Planning Lessons
A resource to use as you see fit.
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Jessica Benavides
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