Critical Questioning
Critical Thinking Strategies - Effective Questioning to Promote Critical Thinking
When we ask a question in class, we want as many students engaged as possible. All types of questions are important in second language development, however it is essential to have a balance between all three types of questions. Type 1 and 2 questions in the table below, do not involve critical thinking as they can be answered either by looking up a fact or stating your opinion. While these type of questions have their place in the French immersion classroom, it is also important to be asking Type 3 questions that require the students to make a judgement based on the criteria determined by the teacher or the students.
An additional consideration for using critical questioning strategies with French immersion students is the activation of background knowledge. “Our prior experience provides the foundation for interpreting new information” (Cummins, 2008, p.274) and therefore finding out what our students know and any gaps they may have, will better prepare them for the more cognitively demanding critical thinking questions.
When we ask a question in class, we want as many students engaged as possible. All types of questions are important in second language development, however it is essential to have a balance between all three types of questions. Type 1 and 2 questions in the table below, do not involve critical thinking as they can be answered either by looking up a fact or stating your opinion. While these type of questions have their place in the French immersion classroom, it is also important to be asking Type 3 questions that require the students to make a judgement based on the criteria determined by the teacher or the students.
An additional consideration for using critical questioning strategies with French immersion students is the activation of background knowledge. “Our prior experience provides the foundation for interpreting new information” (Cummins, 2008, p.274) and therefore finding out what our students know and any gaps they may have, will better prepare them for the more cognitively demanding critical thinking questions.