How do I use questions to engage learners?

Younger learners have shorter attention spans than older learners. In order to assure effective learning, a teacher needs to engage learners. One effective way to call on their attention is by posing questions to them. The type of questions a teacher asks for this purpose must trigger critical thinking. In other words, a teacher provokes critical thinking and comparative learning by asking questions that draw attention, curiosity and help learners to summarize what they learned. We have three little tips on this issue:

1. Ask open-ended questions from “ What? When? Where?” to “ Why?” and “ How?” to encourage critical thinking. Give hints, provide examples, use humour, and encourage guessing. Lead them to the right answer.

2. Get everyone involved. Do not confirm the correct answer until several people answer.

3. Do not forget to reward good answers ( not necessarily correct answers) with encouragement and, more importantly, some “ bonus points.” Positive reinforcement brings more active participation.

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