Blog Post #4

What do we need to know about asking questions to be an effective teacher?

Asking the right questions to your students can make a world of difference in the classroom. In the videos "Asking better questions in the Classroom" and "Open ended questions" I learned the importance of using open ended questions in the classroom. As a future educator, these videos made an impact on me for how to approach questioning my students in the classroom. It is important not to ask closed ended questions, only giving the students a yes or no option. Students should open there minds to many possibilities and answers. Providing that option to students will really help them in their learning and understanding of their work. In Ben Johnson's article "The right way to ask questions in the classroom" Johnson stated, "If we look at the dynamics of any classroom, it doesn't take more than a week for students to figure out who is smart, who isn't, and who doesn't care. What is worse, studies show that after fourth grade, students know how they are perceived and play their roles accordingly." To me, this statement is very upsetting. Every child deserves to feel like the "smart student" and as educators and future educators we should want to make our students feel this way. To be an effective teacher, you must make sure you are making your students care and show them that you care. In the video "Questioning Styles and Strategies" the technique of valuing feedback was shown. This is something that is very important when asking your students questions in the classroom. Students will be more confident in their answers in class if you encourage them with kind and supportive words. Another technique discussed in this video was "student calling." This strategy allowed students to choose whoever they would like to answer a question in class. If students are given the chance to participate and feel like they have a responsibility in class by calling on one of their peers they will be more likely to participate in classroom discussions. It is important for teachers to make sure they are asking questions that will allow everyone in the classroom to be involved and interested in learning. By asking the right questions in your classroom you are encouraging your students to become active listeners, learners, and thinkers.