“I think a safe, positive and open environment is essential to getting ALL kids to feel comfortable asking questions in class,” Beer wrote to me. “So how does one create a safe environment? I don’t think there is a magic formula, however, the teacher must foster a classroom where students respect each other and feel that if they contribute their questions no one will make fun of them or snicker behind their back. I go out of my way to show students that asking questions is not a sign of weakness/stupidity but a sign of a hardworking student that wants to learn. Also, the teacher must encourage and invite questions and the act of questioning. I like to think that all teachers welcome and promote questioning, though I am not sure if that is always the case.”