Instructional Minute

• Choosing and using the right kind, type and level of questions is one of the most important aspects of high impact instruction.
• Low level questioning leads to low engagement. The reverse is true about high level questions.
• Good questions engage students intellectually, hook students and gets them thinking

Using the story of Cinderella as an example:

• What was Cinderella's slipper made of? (low level - remember/closed)
• How did Cinderella's decision to go to the ball change her trajectory? (high level - evaluate/open)

Tip: Calling a students name prior to asking a question halts the thinking of the other students since they know they will not be called on. Instead, ask the question and use wait time. That way all students have to stop and think. Incorporating cold calling is another great way to achieve this.

We challenge to take a lesson and track the types of questions you are asking. Once you have tracked the questions on the provided form (see below), discuss the results with a trusted colleague and devise next steps to further improve your instruction.

Type: Right or Wrong, Opinion

Kinds: Open or Closed

Levels: Know, Understand, Do

• Question Starters using Bloom's Taxonomy (document attached below)
• Evaluation Flipbook with ALL elements (attached below)

A resource to use as you see fit.