Importance of asking questions in classrooms
I really believe questions are quite important in classrooms. Asking questions is a way for teachers to gain understanding in where students are at with their learning. Questions also engage students and help them to regulate their own thinking. Granted, I do believe that it is important not to overuse questions. Questions asked to students need to be thought out beforehand, and crafted carefully. The questions should have a purpose for students’ learning. In other words, teachers need to ask “essential questions”, questions that challenge students’ understandings and make them go above and beyond textbook facts. These questions should require students to really think about what they already know, what they do not know yet, and where does the new information fit into that framework for them.
Asking essential questions develop critical thinking skills in both learners and teachers. It is pivotal in the process of inquiry because it requires the teachers to be self-reflective in their own practices based on students’ responses as well. Before implementing this it is important that teachers are aware of the classroom dynamic and are active in providing a supportive environment where students feel safe to explore and engage their imagination. I believe that it is this challenge and process of synthesizing new information through students’ own inquiry that produces lasting learning outcome.
– Emily