How can questioning be used to move the learning on rather than just drive the lesson forward?
Too often we are tempted to ask a question, grab the correct answer and charge on to the next part of our lesson plan. With this 60-second read on extending pupils’ responses, you’ll know what to do next time around!
What to try instead?
Instead, try slowing down by using these adaptable elaboration prompts to extend pupils’ responses.
- What else do you think/know about this?
- Why didn’t you say…?
- Tell me another point which relates.
- Prove why you are right.
- What helped you to decide this?
- What if I argued that…?
- Could you be wrong?
- Would this also apply to…?
- Explain this again, this using…
Why extend pupils’ responses?
Extending pupils’ responses is a great way for you to assess how much your pupils truly understand and what they don’t yet know. It also helps pupils articulate and strengthen their own understanding, whilst also offering their peers the chance to learn from them too. Winning!
Top tip!
Write prompts onto flash cards and hand these out during partner discussions. Pupils should get into the habit of extending each other’s responses too.
If you want more practical and concise ideas, you can find 238 more suggestions inside 60-second CPD.
