I explore strategies for using questions to promote engagement and deeper understanding among students. I encourage educators to move beyond seeking right or wrong answers and instead ask questions that delve into the reasoning behind them. We also suggest replacing think-pair-share with a more comprehensive approach called write-persuade-present-question. These strategies foster critical thinking, reflection, and collaborative learning, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and apply their knowledge in real-life contexts.
Chapters
0:00:00 Introduction to the Effective Teaching Podcast
0:00:16 Promoting engagement and understanding through effective questioning strategies
0:03:19 Moving away from think-pair-share to write-persuade-present and question
0:06:07 Going deeper with student engagement through presenting and questioning
0:08:19 Using questions to promote engagement and deeper thinking
0:09:46 Journaling for reflection and long-term learning
0:10:56 Exposing assumptions and exploring different perspectives
Long Summary
In this episode of the Effective Teaching Podcast, we explore five strategies for using questions to promote engagement and deeper understanding among students.
The first strategy encourages educators to move away from simply seeking the right answers. Instead of asking basic questions, we encourage asking questions that delve into the reasoning behind correct or incorrect answers. For example, rather than asking whether a literary work is a tragedy or a love story, we can ask students to explain why it is considered a tragedy and not just a love story. This approach prompts students to provide reasoning and showcases their understanding of the subject.
The second strategy involves replacing the think-pair-share method with a more comprehensive approach called write-persuade-present-question. Rather than silently thinking or engaging in casual discussions, we recommend having students write down their answers and persuade their peers why their answer is correct or superior. This process encourages students to consider different perspectives and present well-constructed arguments. Finally, students will stand up and present their conclusions, inviting others to question and challenge their reasoning. This method facilitates critical thinking and promotes deeper understanding.
By implementing these strategies, educators can create a more engaging and interactive learning environment, where students are encouraged to think deeply and provide well-reasoned responses. The focus shifts from seeking right or wrong answers to fostering critical thinking, reflection, and collaborative learning. These strategies empower students to take ownership of their learning, develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and apply their knowledge in real-life contexts.