Question Techniques

I have been receiving some e-mail questions about how to question.
When you are working with your child some techniques to remember are:

1. Phrase questions clearly. Avoid vague questions.
2. Ask questions that are purposeful in achieving the lesson's intent.
3. Ask brief questions, because long ones are often unclear.
4. Ask questions that are thought provoking and demand original and evaluative thinking. Encourage your child to respond in some way to each question asked.
5. Avoid asking "yes-no" and 'leading' questions.
6. To stimulate thinking, probe your child's responses or demand support for his answers.
7. Provide your child with feedback about his responses both to motivate him and to let him know how he is doing.

I would say the most important thing to remember in questioning is to attempt to reach all of your child's cognitive skill levels.

Keep those e-mail questions coming! If I don't have the answer, I'll help you find it.