Teaching: Asking Good Questions
One of the basic ways we learn is by seeking answers to questions we have. Questions are indispensable tools for guiding Bible study. Questions work for every age group, although questions with very young learners should be simpler that questions we might ask with older learners. Here are some guidelines for using questions in Bible study groups:1. Use open-ended questions. Open-ended questions require an answer with more detail than a simple yes or no. Closed questions shut down discussion. Open-ended questions open up discussion.
2. Plan questions that do not have specific wrong answers. Think about this example: "Is it easy or hard to live the Christian life?”
3. Frame questions so they can be answered with a variety of right answers. The answer should never be obscure or so difficult that learners quit risking answers if they are likely to be wrong in front of the group.
4. Elicit answers from several group members for your question. If someone dominates, simply ask, “Can someone else give another response?”
5. Write your questions out in advance and include them in your lesson plan. Do not count on good questions simply popping into your mind on the spot as you teach. Include some possible answers with your written questions in case you need to “prime the pump.” Design thoughtful and thought-provoking questions.
6. Avoid “editing” every response to your questions. This teacher behavior will often shut down discussion.
7. Do not be afraid of silence. If you can see that the group is processing the question, then they will need silence to think.
8. Wait for answers for at least 10 seconds. If no answers come, restate the question and wait again. Refuse to answer your own questions.
9. Be ready to ask a follow-up question like, “Can you explain that answer some more?” or “Can anyone add another element to that response?”
10. As a rule, don’t ask rhetorical questions that you really don’t want learners to answer. Ask genuine questions and wait for genuine answers. Rhetorical questions will train learners to keep their thoughts to themselves.
Scripture:
“After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” Luke 2:46 (ESV)Prayer:
Ask God to bring good questions to mind as you prepare your lesson plan.Dig Deeper:
Consider reading Josh Hunt’s Good Questions Have Groups Talking; How to teach using questions (ISBN: 978-0557584659) or Garry Poole’s The Complete Book of Questions: 1001 Conversation Starters for Any Occasion (ISBN: 978-0310244202).
