Teaching Techniques

Crafting Effective Discussion Questions: A Key Skill for English Teachers and Learners

In the world of English language teaching, we often focus on the mechanics of forming questions correctly. However, an equally important skill is crafting questions that stimulate meaningful discussion and deeper thinking. This blog post explores a technique for developing and critiquing discussion questions, based on an article by Lynn W. Zimmerman in the English Teaching Forum.

The Importance of Open-Ended Questions

Zimmerman highlights the difference between simple factual questions and those that promote discussion:

Factual questions (e.g., “Do you have a pet?”) elicit limited responses.
Open-ended questions encourage broader thinking and more extensive answers.

For example, instead of asking “Do you recycle?”, a more effective discussion question might be: “If you were designing a recycling public-service poster for your city, what would you focus on, and why?”

The Q/A Activity: A Practical Approach

Zimmerman presents an interactive activity to help students develop their question-crafting skills:

Choose a discussion-worthy topic
Divide students into groups
Have groups write open-ended questions
Exchange questions between groups
Groups discuss and critique the questions they receive

This activity engages students in multiple language skills: writing, speaking, listening, and critical thinking.

Benefits of the Technique

Applicable to various age groups and proficiency levels (except very young or beginner learners)
Encourages authentic discussion on multiple levels
Provides practice in question formation, topic discussion, and analytical thinking
Promotes important language functions like comparing, contrasting, and making suggestions

Takeaway for Teachers and Learners

By focusing on the quality of questions we ask, we can significantly enhance the depth and richness of classroom discussions. This skill is valuable not only for language learning but also for developing critical thinking abilities that are essential in academic and professional contexts.

Remember, the goal of a good discussion question is to guide and stimulate conversation, not just to acquire simple facts. By mastering this skill, both teachers and learners can create more engaging and productive language learning experiences.

You’re a smart Banana! *sticks gold star on your forehead*