Apply six questioning techniques in whole-class discussion: simplify, moderate, provoke thought, challenge, follow up, and relate to students¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

After group discussion or role-play, whole-class discussion follows, and the article details six techniques for teacher questions: simplifying language, moderating difficulty to students' knowledge and thinking capability, asking thought-provoking questions, asking challenging questions, asking follow-up questions, and asking questions relevant to students' experience. It states that "Follow-up questions can avoid the one-time interactive phenomenon, increasing students' participation", and that questions related to students' life enhance the sense of participation and interest in reading more.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Question language simple, clear and within students' familiar vocabulary
• Questions matched to students' level of knowledge and thinking capability
• Follow-up questions with hints when answers are inadequate

Constraints¶

• Too many information questions should be avoided in favour of questions that inspire thinking; overly easy questions are described as a waste of time

Target Learners¶

• English majors in English Reading classes

Target Learning Goals¶

• Cognitive skills, thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Expression and exchange of opinions
• Sustained participation in discussion

Related Strategies¶

• Evaluate student contributions through praising, encouraging, quoting students' words, and gestures
• Use role-play and drama techniques after reading to deepen understanding through lifelike language use
• Questioning Techniques
• Probing Questions

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Yonghong Gao. (2008). Implementing Communicative Activities in English Reading Class. English Language Teaching, Vol. 1, No. 1. https://journals.cces.net/index.php/elt