Chapter 7

Effective Questioning
Open ended questions allow students to think in a wide array of possibilities. Allowing students to fully engage in a discussion with the class. I am surprised at what the book says about how few open ended question teachers use in the classroom. It seems like a great starter for discussions and to get students thinking. Following the 5E model is a great way to teach. It seems so basic and simple to follow. In Explaining, students can inquire about something they found puzzling or difficult. It helps them make sense of something they were exploring. I like the fact that with the Explain part, students initial answers do not have to be exactly correct. It allows them to think freely. What better way for a student to apply what they just learned, then the elaborate. Students can test and connect schema's. I feel if students are allowed to be wrong or make mistakes, and will not be ridiculed for doing so, then they will have more self confidence and try new things or research for new answers. They won't be intimidated in other academic areas to make mistakes or question theories. Praise is important. But as I just found out from my son, it shouldn't be empty praise. What I mean is, like the book says, it looses it's effectiveness if it is used too often or when it isn't really deserved. Probing often helps students build on ideas and pull information out that they didn't know they had in them or were unsure of. Great tips for leading discussions...Increase wait time, fade questioning support, listen to one another, consider cultural implications, praise. Good questioning is where it's at for inquiry teaching. I must be open to all answers and patient for students to formulate an answer.