Phrasing Techniques

Ambiguous questions do not make clear what kind of response or information is wanted. Even divergent and open questions should clarify the subject to be addressed and provide guidance for how to respond.

Planning questions requires evaluation of the information desired in the response, the type of thinking required, and the possible answers. Plan questions in advance so that you can return to them with a fresh view later; you’ll be amazed how many new/”wrong” answers show up.

Do not rephrase or add to a question once it has been asked. This interrupts students’ thinking. And, do not use yes/no phrasing: can you…, do you…, will you…, could you…