The “Science” of Questioning: Promoting Critical Thinking with Purposeful Questions

Michael Palmer, TRC Faculty Consultant; Chemistry

“Asking a question is the simplest way of focusing thinking…asking the right question may be the most important part of thinking.”  ~ Edward de Bono

The type of questions we ask our students determines their responses, whether we are constructing discussion questions, prompts for student response systems (aka clickers), or test questions (pick your favorite: multi-choice, short answer, essay).  If we ask students to recall facts, they will respond with facts.  If, on the other hand, we ask them to apply their knowledge to novel problems, analyze data or texts, synthesize arguments, or evaluate competing ideas, we foster deep learning and encourage them to think in ways grounded within our disciplines.  In this interactive workshop, we will explore a research-based framework for categorizing questions, analyze different types of questions, and practice asking questions that promote critical thinking.

This workshop is inspired by one of our recent January Teaching Workshop sessions, “Clickers: Engaging Students in Learning.”  It is open to the entire University community, faculty, post-docs and graduate students.

Sponsored by the TRC University Teaching Fellows Program.