I can empathize with the idea that students sometimes don't ask questions because, they may not know "what to ask" if they don't have understanding of the lesson. Teaching many ESL students I can attest that questioning in an inviting and patient tone along with positive reinforcement on the part of the answer that was correct really encourages future participation and motivation to keep learning.
Questioning is an excellent tool for engaging a class to focus on critical content. It is particularly important for the instructor to be a good listener and not discourage students from participating by cutting them off or criticizing responses. Instructors should have a plan for utilizing questions and evaluating if the questions are appropriate for the responses that they are getting. One technique is to record yourself as an instructor to ensure that your interaction with the class is effective with using questioning.
Can't have a good answer without a great question, and the way you ask the question will reflect in your student's responses.
Ask questions to see how well the information is being retained.
A question to a group can lead to a more riveting discussion sparking more engagement throughout the whole class
Check with your students to see how they learn best then see if you can incorporate those styles into your lessons.
Investigating and learning through questioning is a higher level of learning where the student actively wants to receive and process information.
Asking students how they learn best and making an effort to include the styles that fit the class is best practice.
Elements of listening, responding, and using questions in discussion. Different types of questions, redirecting questions, expanding questions.
I will use the socratic method to expand upon discussion of topics
The different ways to ask a question can give new life to the same questions.
asking students questions unconsciously engages them into the class discussion. asking questions in different ways open opportunity for different answers in way students wouldn't understand before
I've received affirmation of some of my questioning and response techniques and learned new ones.
I learned that as an instructor, I can increase student engagement and participation by using purposeful questioning techniques and by being intentional with how I manage classroom discussions. I learned that giving students adequate time to think after I ask a question is essential. By increasing wait time to at least three to five seconds (Wait Time 1), I can expect longer and more thoughtful responses, fewer failures to respond, and greater confidence among students. I also understand the importance of Wait Time 2, where I allow time for all students to reflect and respond to each other’s ideas. This encourages more collaborative and reflective discussions.
I realized that I do a relatively good job of encouraging students after incorrectly answering a question. I will be able to ask better questions after this course. Excited to check out "Poll Everywhere", and "Quizziz". I want to implement a question board, where students can anonymously post questions regarding that day's content.
ways to utilize different questioning techniques not only to keep the students engaged but also to get a feel of how much of the information is being retained
I ask lots of questions and get a lot of participation - it is a dialogue and trying an answer is absolutely a success even if wrong. Everything you answer wrong you are apt to remember! Winning all around.
I think asking other students to expand on answers is a great way to include more of the class in a discussion of ideas with peers as well as their professors. Its a little less intimidating. Using names is also more personal if not putting a student on the spot too much.
I realized that mixing up the types of questions you ask gives students more chances to show what they know in different ways.
This module highlighted the critical role that questioning plays in supporting student learning. I gained a deeper understanding of the different types of questions that can be used to guide thinking, check understanding, and promote deeper engagement with the material.
The module also emphasized the importance of knowing how to ask questions appropriately and how to respond in ways that further student learning. It reminded me that questions aren't just for assessment—they're tools for connection and discovery.
One key takeaway was the value of truly paying attention to students' questions. When we take their inquiries seriously and respond thoughtfully, we create a classroom culture that encourages curiosity, dialogue, and active participation.
