Higher Order Questioning In the Classroom

What makes a great teacher? 

Can you answer that? Is there a single correct answer? I would say no. Therefore this question is considered an essential question. Essential questions are also known as higher order questions. Higher order questions are designed to get students engaged, get them thinking critically, and create discussion. They can be be great openers for lessons, or even for finishing a lesson. With these types of questions, there are no single correct answers. They are open ended and purposeful. Generally discussion is created and opinion are shared, but everything must be backed by evidence. Anyone's opinion can change at any time, but any point made must be backed by evidence. One thing that a classmate of mine said when speaking on this topic recently was that even the teacher may not have a correct answer or a solid answer and that's ok. This was an eye opener for me, because even though I knew about essential questions and that it was ok to go unanswered by the students, it was always in the back of my mind that the teacher would still know the answer. It can be hard to let go and admit that we do not know the answer, but our students will grow the most when they learn to think for themselves and ask questions. As the teacher, we should have a direction for where we want the questions to lead, but we should not be quick to bud in and start thinking for the students. Everyone has a different take on the world and that can bring a lot of different views to the table. Another very important thing when asking questions in the classroom is wait time. Give  your students the chance to actually think about what you just asked before chiming in and directing them.

EMBRACE THE SILENCE! The awkwardness will not hurt anyone. In fact, I guarantee it will help! We as teachers need to take a step back, let the students talk, let them ask, and let them answer. Figure out what you are wanting them to know and hand the reigns over. Watch your students take charge and blossom. Once they get out of their comfort zone, they will admit it is what they want to do too!
Check out the video below for more information on higher order questioning!