If children themselves identify what they want to know, then when they ask a question they are much more likely to value and remember the answer. Some questions will not be easy to answer.
Display children’s questions and come back to them. They can be sorted into categories, for example:
• questions we can answer
• questions we can find the answer to
• questions that cannot be answered
• questions that will help our learning.
Discuss with children the nature of good questions. Ask which of a list of questions is the best, or most interesting question. Find out what questions they would most like to have answered.
Some alternative strategies that can prove more effective than questions in stimulating thoughtful discussion are given in the Table on the next page. Use alternatives to routine questions about the quality of work and the standard achieved, that actively encourages thinking and dialogue.