Unlock the Power of Effective Questioning in the Classroom

How can teachers harness the potential of questioning to enhance student learning and engagement?

Discover the transformative impact of effective questioning in the classroom, providing practical strategies and techniques to foster deep thinking, student engagement, and professional growth.

What is questioning in the classroom?

Effective questioning is a powerful instructional tool that promotes critical thinking, active participation, and deeper understanding among students.

Why is it important for teachers to develop a range of techniques?

If teachers can utilise various questioning techniques and approaches, they can create a dynamic learning environment that supports engagement and good behaviour.

The result? Growing curiosity, emerging higher-order thinking skills and reduced workload for teachers!

How can teachers achieve effective questioning?

Through deliberate planning and intentional implementation, teachers can optimise the power of questioning to foster active engagement and elevate student achievement.

My new book goes to print next month. Behind the scenes, Toolkit members were granted early access to the full PDF; here are some early endorsements.

What do teachers say about Guide To Questioning?

“It’s Ross’s best one yet! What a fantastic read; as someone who plans and leads on whole school CPD, I found the four-step guide incredibly useful throughout” (Libby Isaac, Deputy Headteacher at Waveney Valley).

“Ross is immersed in his field and practises what he preaches. Information is delivered in digestible chunks with diagrams and scripts, which make it relatable and easy to follow. This book will help to embed a staunch questioning culture, refine practice, increase challenge, reduce threat and strengthen pupil understanding. Every educator should own a copy of this book” (Sarah Lewtas, primary teacher at Oak Trees MAT).

“Ross provides educators with a wealth of information on how to use questioning to increase student and teacher outcomes. The book is packed with actionable tips, techniques, and examples that can be easily implemented in any classroom. I believe that this book is an essential resource for any educator who wants to create a more engaging and effective learning environment” Kaye MacIver, Regional Director of Learning, Vietnam and Thailand, International Schools Partnership Limited).

“Ross cuts through the noise of an extensive evidence base to provide yet another compelling and practicable guide to one of the most powerful tools at a teacher’s disposal – a must-read for any teacher” (Dr Martin Rigby, Deputy Principal, Runshaw College).

“This book is insightful on both the use of questioning and the theories of cognitive science, which provide reasoning behind each strategy. There are also helpful QR codes which take you to more information if you want it! This book will raise your questioning skills and your classes will benefit” (Maria Bateson, KS5 Science Lead, The Charter School East Dulwich).

“Another excellent book from Ross. This fantastic guide to questioning is steeped in theory, giving practical and readily useable questioning technics to ensure effective classroom practice” (Mrs Jane Dunnett, Deputy Headteacher, The Robert Napier School)

What if? (Questions for teachers to consider)

1. How can teachers integrate higher-order thinking questions into their daily lessons?
2. What techniques can teachers use to encourage all students to participate in classroom discussions?
3. How can teachers modify their questioning strategies to address the diverse needs of their students?
4. What role does wait-time play in facilitating more thoughtful and reflective responses from students?
5. How can teachers use questioning to foster a culture of inquiry and independent thinking in their classrooms?

Teachers can harness the potential of effective questioning by embracing a repertoire of questioning techniques to cultivate a classroom environment that values curiosity, critical thinking, and active engagement.