Asking Better Questions

Asking Better Questions explores the compelling role of questions in creating a powerful learning environment. Research tells us that the person who asks the question is the active learner, yet too many classrooms still revolve around teacher-generated questions.

This revision of a classic teacher resource recognizes that it takes time and diligence to become an effective questioner. Based on extensive classroom experience, this comprehensive guide:

• helps teachers understand why questions are so important to teaching and learning;
• suggests an uncomplicated way to classify the questions teachers need to ask in order to acquire information, build understanding, and generate reflection;
• promotes a simple three-part classification of questions—questions that tap into what is already known; those that build a context for shared understanding; and those that challenge students to think critically and creatively;
• offers models, techniques, activities, and examples which promote better questioning by teachers and students;
• allows for various entry points based on the interests and needs of the classroom teacher.

The book recognizes that “thinking” and “feeling” are the essential components of a classroom that respects and encourages questions. It is committed to helping teachers ask the appropriate question at the right moment, providing a variety of teaching stances, roles, and situations that will elevate language and encourage divergent thinking.