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The art of questioning is present in this protocol. Comment below and let us know if you do something similar in your class.
FUNNEL QUESTIONING TECHNIQUE (Questioning, Discussion, Feedback)
Description: Originally used in business, the Funnel Questioning Technique provides teachers with structure by improving the way they ask questions, figuratively resembling a funnel, broad to narrow. It mandates that different types of questions are asked in a particular order. Not only does the technique address academic concerns but can be used as a way to show genuine concern for students. Adapted heavily from Revolution Learning's The Questioning Funnel – Effective Questioning.
Application: Apply the technique when evaluating students’ levels of understanding, seeking additional information, or enhancing relationships within the classroom.
Process: Have a topic, lesson, or unit in mind when creating funnel questions. Review the general technique’s order: “...start with broad open questions, probe to gather more specifics, and then use a closed question to clarify.” Begin with open questions, examples include Who? What? When? Where? Why? Tell, Explain, and Describe. After a variety of student responses, initiate probing questions, also open-ended, that ask for more specific information. Make sure the “next” probing question is always based on the “last ''answer given, digging deeper each question/answer set. After probing, show students understanding by asking closed (yes/no) questions that confirm their answers. Examples of closed questions are Did? Can? Will? Are? If? Were? Is? etc. Provide ways such as summarization or short-answer response for students to encapsulate what they have learned through the process.
Resources and for more information:
The Questioning Funnel - Effective Questioning - Revolution Learning and Development Ltd