Twelve Objectives, with Example Questions

1. To assess learning.

  • What is the most important idea that was generated in today’s discussion?
  • Can you explain this concept in your own words?
  • Can you draw a diagram to illustrate this idea?

2. To ask a student to clarify a vague comment.

  • Could you elaborate on that point?
  • Can you explain what you mean?

3. To prompt students to explore attitudes, values, or feelings (when appropriate).

  • What are the values or beliefs that inform this argument?
  • What is your initial reaction to this argument?

4. To prompt students to see a concept from another perspective.

  • How do you think that this issue is viewed by those with whom you disagree?
  • How does that concept apply to this new problem?

5. To ask a student to refine a statement or idea.

When does that principle apply? Always? Only under certain conditions?
Would you say, then, that you disagree with the author?

6. To prompt students to support their assertions and interpretations.

  • How do you know that?
  • Which part of the text led you to that conclusion?

7. To direct students to respond to one another.

  • What do you think about the idea just presented by your classmate?
  • Do you agree or do you see the issue differently? Explain.
  • Can you think of another way to solve that problem?

8. To prompt students to investigate a thought process.

  • What are the assumptions that informed the design of this experiment?
  • What are the assumptions that these two arguments share?

9. To ask students to predict possible outcomes.

  • What might happen if this practice were to be outlawed?
  • What would be the result if a different set of assumptions were used to set up this experiment?
  • Would you get a different result?

10. To prompt students to connect and organize information.

  • How does this article shed light on the concept we studied last week?
  • Can you develop a graph or table that organizes this information in a helpful way?

11. To ask students to apply a principle or formula.

  • How does this principle apply to the following situation?
  • Who can suggest how we might use this new formula to solve the problems we examined at the start of class today?
  • Under what conditions is this equation not valid?

12. To ask students to illustrate a concept with an example.

  • Can you think of an example of this phenomenon, drawn from your research?
  • Can you point us to a specific part of the novel that led you to that conclusion?
  • Can you identify a painting or design that exemplifies that idea?

 

Information is from: https://teachingcenter.wustl.edu/resources/refining-teaching-methods/asking-questions-to-improve-learning/