Effective questioning within a sixth form engages students in active learning. It involves asking questions that require the student to think and reflect rather than simply recall information. This helps to ensure that students are taking full advantage of their learning opportunities and gaining a better understanding of the material being presented.

1. Asking Open-Ended Questions: Asking open-ended questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer will help your students to think more deeply about the subject matter. For example, “What challenges have you faced in understanding this concept?”

2. Encouraging Reflection: Ask your students to reflect on their own experiences and relate them to the topic. For instance, “How does your understanding of this concept compare to something you have experienced before?”

3. Using Probing Questions: Probing questions are designed to encourage further exploration and investigation into a topic. For example, “Can you elaborate further on your answer? What else do you think might be possible?”

4. Checking Comprehension: Checking your students’ comprehension is key to ensure that they have understood the material. Ask questions like, “What have you learnt so far? Can you explain it to me?”

5. Encouraging Discussions: Discussions amongst your students can help to foster deeper learning. Ask them to discuss a concept in groups and then have them come back to you with their findings.

6. Asking Hypothetical Questions: Hypothetical questions can help to get your students to think outside the box. For instance, “What would happen if this were to happen? How could you solve this problem?”

7. Utilising Classroom Technology: Utilising classroom technology can help to make your lessons more engaging. For example, use online quizzes and games to stimulate discussion and learning.

8. Connecting to Real Life: Connecting topics to real life can help to bring relevance to the classroom. For example, “How does this concept relate to something that you see in society today?”

9. Brainstorming Ideas: Brainstorming is a great way to get your students to think creatively. Ask them to come up with ideas and then challenge them to come up with even better ones.

10. Addressing Different Perspectives: Encourage your students to think about different perspectives on a topic. Ask them to consider alternative points of view and how this would affect the outcome.

11. Encouraging Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills are essential for students. Ask them to evaluate and analyze a concept and then explain their findings to the class.

12. Using Socratic Questions: Socratic questions help to get your students to think more deeply about a topic. Ask questions like, “What is the cause of this? What would happen if the opposite were true?”

By using these twelve highly practical ‘effective questioning’ strategies, you can help your students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Not only that, but these strategies can also help to engage your students and foster deeper learning. So don’t hesitate – start implementing these strategies in your classroom today!