Questions are powerful tools for learning and reasoning. Although asking questions is not the only learning pathway, it is an excellent approach to engage learners to think critically and creatively, connect ideas, apply concepts, and evaluate evidence. In today’s article, you will find some great questions to help students foster an empowering learning environment.
When to ask questions?
There are no set rules to limit this as long as learners’ independent thinking moments are valued. Asking high-quality questions requires patience that allows learners to complete a full thinking session before taking any further steps. This is when a quality response can happen.
What questions to ask?
Question words and examples for critical thinking | |||||
who | what | where | when | why | how |
Who is involved? | What is the issue/subject? | Where did it happen? | When did it happen? | Why is this subject/issue important? | How did it start? |
Who is affected? | What is the evidence? | Where can we go to find more info? | When did the problem occur? | Why did you develop this opinion? | How does it affect different groups/the environment? |
How to ask questions in various forms?
Questions have different formats as well as different types. Some are extemporaneous, some are planned or prepared. Some questions can be graphic, while others can be more academic. Some are open, some are closed, some are based on facts, and some seek opinions. Questions exist in everyday contexts, from an exam setting to a board game.
