Run by Iowa educators, #IAedchat is on Twitter the first, second, and third Sundays each month at 8:00pm CST. We have added #IAedchat LIVE to the fourth Sunday of the month at 8:00pm CST. This will take place in Google Hangout on Air. We will share the invitation and link to #IAedchat LIVE each month.
Happy Sunday evening to you & welcome to #IAedChat! I’m almost as excited as this little girl about the discussion tonight on “Asking Better Questions”.
Welcome to #IAedChat! Take a moment to introduce yourself, your role in schools, and where you are tweeting from tonight.
Extra credit for including a gif from your favorite movie! =)
A1: We get students to ask better questions by first providing them opportunities to explore and inquire in ways that interest them and ignite them. Inquiry is part of the key. #iaedchat
A1: I need to get better at asking questions so that I get deeper into whatever it is that I am questioning. It's easy to get distracted and stay at a superficial level #iaedchat
A1: We need to get better to model deeper thinking to engage the critical thinking portion of our Ss' brains rather than questions focused on recall or memorization.
We can get better by and thinking about key questions before a lesson/discussion. #IAedChat
A1 Model to our S how "wonder" works! Always something next to discover, also so many S's BEGGING to be included. Questions great way to include them! #IaEdChat
A1: If we're trying to help Ss become independent thinkers and problem solvers we have to create the conditions for that to be possible. Asking Qs should lead to deeper thinking, not rote memorization. #iaedchat
A1 Better question register better answers they help us go deeper with our knowledge. We need to model and teach this to Ss so they can learn to drive and propel their own curiosity and learning #iaedchat
A1: We need to get better at asking questions as teachers and leaders to learn more. This also allows others to think deeper and engage in genuine conversation which in turn builds relationships. #iaedchat
A1: If we want anything other than surface learning, we need to start with a question that hooks kids and helps them question and plunge deeply in to a topic. #iaedchat
A1: the answers we pull allow us a fantastic insight into the minds we are picking. Good questions require a thoughtful and detailed response. ?’s should be prepared ahead of time but be ready to create great ones on the spot as well #iaedchat
A1: the answers we pull allow us a fantastic insight into the minds we are picking. Good questions require a thoughtful and detailed response. ?’s should be prepared ahead of time but be ready to create great ones on the spot as well #iaedchat
A1: The right questions allow us to assess learning, prompt students to connect & organize information, & to ask students to illustrate a concept with an example. #iaedchat
A1 As educators, when we ask questions, they lead to purposeful dialogue about current practices and how we can make improvements to better support our Ss learning. We get our Ss to ask better questions by modeling think alouds for them which leads to better questions #iaedchat
The importance of modeling! How can Ss know what we're looking for if we don't give them the tools and the opportunities to see it in practice? #iaedchat
A1.2: A good starting point is to ask 1 or 2 open ended questions during each segment of learning. For example 2 open questions during a reading group, 2 during whole group math, etc. Drives the learning and student engagement. For real. #iaedchat
This - yes this! We also need to model the thinking that takes place with a think/talk aloud while we process through questions. They’re not all simple answers and we need to show them that. #IAedChat
Step 1: the fresh prince look Step 2: I think it’s about engaged conversation to drive the questions. The “tell me more” and “what does that look like” are key statements in my convos to push for Ss and adult learner discovery #iaedchat
I can’t help but think about the time I wasted as a teacher through my talking to “share the content” when what I should have done more of is student inquiry and deeper learning. #iaedchat
A1 part 2: I still write lesson plans. In them I write questions I want to ask, anticipated responses (good and bad) and probing questions to deepen my@understandingof Ss understandings. #iaedchat
Step 1: the fresh prince look Step 2: I think it’s about engaged conversation to drive the questions. The “tell me more” and “what does that look like” are key statements in my convos to push for Ss and adult learner discovery #iaedchat
A2: We need to practice wait time with our own learning to be more comfortable offering it with our Ss so we don’t think it is uncomfortable. It offers time for reflection and time to think more critically about the question. #IAedChat
A2: "Seek first to understand before being understood." I feel the more I talk in the classroom the less I am able to listen to what my Ss need or want. Since everyone learns at different rates think time is incredibly important in the classroom. #iaedchat
A2 Think Time is a great place to start- more important is finding a way to ensure all students have an opportunity for their voice to be heard #IAedChat
A2: I am a firm believer in wait time or think time. Even 5 seconds makes a difference. Kids process at different levels and the more time that you allow, the better quality responses you will get. I am one who needs more time to process. #iaedchat
A2 Think time also forces a pause, slows down S that are good at playing school and gives them a chance to consider. Gives S that arent quick to the draw time to think. #iaedchat
A2. After introducing something new whether an exp. or act., Ss need a few minutes to reflect and think about what has been introduced to them, then we allow for questions. #iaedchat
I can’t help but think about the time I wasted as a teacher through my talking to “share the content” when what I should have done more of is student inquiry and deeper learning. #iaedchat
A2 Think time allows for greater clarity on the question that is asked. It's important that not only our Ss have think time but members of our team need think time, also. Allows everyone to process thoughts, think about responses, and engage in thoughtful dialogue #iaedchat
A2: As adults, we are far too uncomfortable with silence, which fosters the think time. We can engage kids with a “turn and talk” to process with a peer. Easy to fall in to the trap of calling on the first hand that goes up so we can keep moving. #iaedchat
A2: it’s great because it lets the Ss focus in on what they already know plus plan to discuss/ask what they don’t know. Also great for reflection, which is critical for Ss. #iaedchat
A2: Love this! I’ve always thought if Ss had no reaction to my question...then I needed a better question (or better rephrase) to ignite a response, reaction, reflection VS knowing I’ll just answer myself eventually. #sometimeidotalktomyself#iaedchat
A2.2: For some of my reluctant speakers in class, I provided them the questions that we would discuss in advance to allow them confidence while giving them an opportunity to share their voice. (This also works for adults)! #iaedchat
A2: I needed some think time on that... We need to take time to craft questions that force our answerer to reflect and process their best answer. It comes down to developing a high quality question. #IAEdChat
Cooperative Learning structures such as Kagan helps with this as well. Creating specific procedures within your lesson allows for this to be free flowing. Also takes plenty of practice and patience! #iaedchat
A2: As adults, we are far too uncomfortable with silence, which fosters the think time. We can engage kids with a “turn and talk” to process with a peer. Easy to fall in to the trap of calling on the first hand that goes up so we can keep moving. #iaedchat
A2: Think time is used w/ Ss & Ts. Refrain from answering your own question, which will only communicates you will do their thinking for them. If answers don't come, rephrase the question. #iaedchat
A2 - I think that think time is great because it gives everyone time to process the question instead of having students blurt our answers before others have the chance to think! #iaedchat
A2: Wait time typically Spurs more talking by the student. Silence is uncomfortable for them so they try to fill it by speaking. Gives us a glimpse into their minds. #iaedchat
A2: I like to regard think time as productive struggle which is something I am strongly pushing the teachers I work with to get better at. Present problems with multiple routes to the solution so that Ss can understand how they and their peers tackle things. #iaedchat
Great question. This is where inquiry comes in, an option could be to brainstorm what tools to use in a situation, ask which one could be more efficient, let the struggle happen, then bring in a new tool via explicit instruction. #iaedchat
Q3: @dylanwiliam says Principle 1 of “Designing Great Hinge Questions” is “Get a response from every student.” How can you make this work in your classroom? #IAedChat
A2: #IAEdChat Think Time is a great facilitation tool. But before we release responsibility, we need to teach how and model consistently. Metacognition is a critical skill for mastery.
Agreed! Have had the joy of two days of Kagan training with our staff. We have some real masters of cooperative learning. It is great to watch but it takes the investment of time and practice. #iaedchat
This is a key practice, Dan. Often, when we provide our Ss and team members questions beforehand, this gives them the opportunity to develop cohesive responses and craft questions that spark new ideas about next steps for S and T learning #iaedchat
A3: Too many Ss will unintentionally slip through if we don’t gather a check from each S, each time.
Plickers, hand gestures, post-its or whiteboards give the T a quick view of every S’s answer. #IAedChat
A3: Avoid asking closed ended questions and techniques such as calling on Ss or raising hands. One of my favorite tasks is to create a response on a sticky note. Then use clock partners to engage discussion. Teacher rotates around the room to hear and engage. #leadered#IAedChat
Q3: @dylanwiliam says Principle 1 of “Designing Great Hinge Questions” is “Get a response from every student.” How can you make this work in your classroom? #IAedChat
A3 this takes work but can be done is so many ways either through discussion verbal cues writing prompts the imagination is the only mimitation #iaedchat
This is a key practice, Dan. Often, when we provide our Ss and team members questions beforehand, this gives them the opportunity to develop cohesive responses and craft questions that spark new ideas about next steps for S and T learning #iaedchat
Indeed! Think times allow students and teachers opportunities to process what has been said and form a personal response. Think times add value to questioning as a process for “real-time” formative feedback. @townsleyaj#IAedChat
A3 Think pair share and inner/outer circle, assigned roles are great ways to hold all students accountable for participation in class discussions #IAedChat
A3 this is where technology really supported classroom discussion. So many tools allow Ss to engage in response without going Ss to Ss and etc. it’s the start for my content grab and focus on where to go next. Works with adults as well! #iaedchat
A3. We do circle discussions, and often times every Ss will contibute in the discussion. For the introverts, sometimes guiding them and leading them helps them with their commentary. #iaedchat
A3: Simple way to get all kids involved. Ask the question and then allow them to turn and talk to someone near them. Also use four corners, have them choose a corner of the room with indicating their response. Builds movement as well. #iaedchat
A3: I enjoy cooperative structures that involve an individual and group component. Opportunities where each student is accountable to answer or discuss but also has the ability to listen to peers and refine answer if necessary. #iaedchat
A3: Use circle within circle activity. 2 circles, w/ participant facing a partner. As the leader, ask questions & have each pair carry on a conversation. Have 1 circle rotate, give next question. 100% participation #iaedchat
A3 this is where technology really supported classroom discussion. So many tools allow Ss to engage in response without going Ss to Ss and etc. it’s the start for my content grab and focus on where to go next. Works with adults as well! #iaedchat
A3 - by using technology for available through Kahoot or google classroom if not available then with white boards and having students hold them up with an answer after a minute #iaedchat
Hinge questions must be planned in advance, aligned with learning targets (intentions), and strategically asked (at right time). Additionally, Ts must use response systems that enable them to quickly analyze responses from all Ss. @townsleyaj#IAedChat
Agree with this! Also imbedding some positive reinforcers/praises helps create the conditions even better. Having Ss praise their classmates after their answer improves the confidence of both participants. #iaedchat
A3: Use circle within circle activity. 2 circles, w/ participant facing a partner. As the leader, ask questions & have each pair carry on a conversation. Have 1 circle rotate, give next question. 100% participation #iaedchat
A3: I would have times in my lessons where I went in a “round” so Ss knew it was coming but also times in the same@lesson where it was random. This gave a chance for them to be prepared and having to answer on the spot. Had to train myself to keep track and catch all Ss #iaedchat
Reminds me of accountable talk. Responses like…
“I agree with you because..”
“I respectfully disagree with you because…”
“You have changed my thinking because…”
#IaedChat
A3: I enjoy cooperative structures that involve an individual and group component. Opportunities where each student is accountable to answer or discuss but also has the ability to listen to peers and refine answer if necessary. #iaedchat
A3: Consensus mapping, talking chips, designated roles in small group work, Flipgrid, graffiti walls, progressive writing - whatever it takes to connect to Ss interests and passions 😉 #iaedchat
A3: Use various grouping strategies and ask questions to be discussed. To de-brief as the leader, ask who heard a great response from their partner. #iaedchat
I love being able to watch Ss work w/o running around the room. I just call out, "Hey Jo, did you see that negative sign?" I use 2 monitors & project the anonymous responses.I like they can change slides independently. #iaedchat
A3 this is where technology really supported classroom discussion. So many tools allow Ss to engage in response without going Ss to Ss and etc. it’s the start for my content grab and focus on where to go next. Works with adults as well! #iaedchat
Hinge questions must be planned in advance, aligned with learning targets (intentions), and strategically asked (at right time). Additionally, Ts must use response systems that enable them to quickly analyze responses from all Ss. @townsleyaj#IAedChat
A3 part 2: I played games all the time that required confirmation from all team members in order to submit responses. A lot of relays, bonus: incorporates movement in the classroom #iaedchat
A4: Ask better questions and you’ll have better engagement from Ss (and your children!) and increased student learning. Plain and simple.
“Why do you think that?” and “Prove it.” are my favorite two. #IAedChat
A4: I try to create prompts or questions that relate to something they are familiar with. Also have really been working on explicitly modeling my thought process out loud for Ss to see. Modeling allows for Ss to see how I challenge my own thinking. #iaedchat
Agree! There’s a great TC video on the “The Best Wrong Answer I Ever Got” (or some variation on this.) Great strategy for learning through incorrect responses. #IAedChat
A4 it is always interesting to have students connect their responses back to our learning with academic language. It amazes me how often they do this independently, but if they don’t just simply saying “that sounds a lot like...” to plant the seed! #iaedchat
A4. I like to get them to think about a topic from another angle, like in a novel, thinking about the situation from another character's viewpoint. #iaedchat
A4 - 1. that is a great start but what else can you find out? 2. That is interesting but did you know this? Then tell them to go find something else they didn’t know #iaedchat
A4: my favorite question to ask: why? Ss got pretty good at rattling off mathematical algorithms but struggled to tell me why they did it. It took a while to get them@used to it but eventually they were prepared with the why before I even asked #classroomroutine#iaedchat
A4: honestly, taking an “answer” and just discussing it allows Ss to free think about something without the stress of “answering something”. Like...can’t we just chat about this? I throw out plenty of “YYAASSS” statements (aka I’m obnoxious) #iaedchat
A4.2: Please tell me more. Why do you feel as you do. In math, for example, the answer to the problem is 27. Tell me why I'm right (or wrong). #iaedchat
#IAedchat A4: when we recognize that we don’t know everything and are comfortable in that space it allows us to ask how might we think differently. #divergentthinking
Start of year, S's act surprised as I as them to "defend" correct answers. Gotta learn that it's not the answer, but the process i want to know about! #IaEdChat
A4: “Why is what you said important?” Or “Why is what your partner/group member said important?”
“What is another way you could look at that? Does it work? — Prove it.” #iaedchat
Q5: There are questions which engage recall and there are questions which engage deeper thinking. Give an example of a deeper thinking question.
Bonus - give an example of a great question a parent could ask their child about their day!
#IAedChat
A4: honestly, taking an “answer” and just discussing it allows Ss to free think about something without the stress of “answering something”. Like...can’t we just chat about this? I throw out plenty of “YYAASSS” statements (aka I’m obnoxious) #iaedchat
A4: When Ss know how to ask their own questions they take greater ownership of learning, deepen comprehension & make new connections. Question Formulation Technique -QFT helps students learn how to produce questions, improve them & strategize on how to use them #iaedchat
A5: Instead of
“Is 17 a prime number?” ask “Provide proof as to why 17 is a prime number.”
Parent:
“Tell me about ___ activity I saw on @Seesaw / @Facebook / @Instagram in your classroom today.”
“In what ways were you challenged today?”
#IAedChat
So agree with this! When Ss begin asking their own ?s, we know they are thinking and owning their learning. Not to sound like a broken record, but Think Time 2 provides time and space for S ?s! #iaedchat
A4: When Ss know how to ask their own questions they take greater ownership of learning, deepen comprehension & make new connections. Question Formulation Technique -QFT helps students learn how to produce questions, improve them & strategize on how to use them #iaedchat
A5: Instead of
“Is 17 a prime number?” ask “Provide proof as to why 17 is a prime number.”
Parent:
“Tell me about ___ activity I saw on @Seesaw / @facebook / @instagram in your classroom today.”
“In what ways were you challenged today?”
#IAedChat
A5 - As a parent you could ask tell me one thing about your day that made you excited besides PE, lunch or recess? As a teacher you can always challenge the student with the what if question to make them dig deeper. #IAedchat
S5 A good parent ?: “ Help me understand what makes you think this is a good idea.” and “What good question did you ask today?” — and so many others! Wouldn’t it be exciting to offer a questioning seminar for parents? #iaedchat
A5: rookie parent mistake for first kid in school: don’t ask “what’d you do at school today”...so now we talk about her assigned job, group members, folder activity...all very specific questions that ignite convo vs vague “nothing” responses #iaedchat
A5: What would be your next move if you were in the shoes of the character? Please provide evidence and detail to support your thinking. Bonus pic included: #iaedchat
A5: What do you already know abt this problem? What are your “Need to Knows” b4 you can start this problem? How can you gain that info in order to solve this?
“Where did you use persistence and resilience today? How did you show empathy to someone who needed it?” #iaedchat
So supportive of change and of what is happening in many/most classrooms today. Bummer! Be a positive example and lead with integrity support! #edchat#visitmyclassroom#edreform#iaedchat
Does this look familiar? Students lined up in rows. A teacher in front of a blackboard. Sit down; don’t talk; eyes up front. Wait for the bell. Walk to the next class. Everything about our lives has moved beyond the industrial era. But American education largely hasn’t. #SXSWEDU
Reminds me of Dylan Wiiam’s suggestion: Rather than ask, “Is a butterfly an insect?” , ask ”Why is a butterfly an insect” or “Why is a butterfly an insect and not a bird?” #iaedchat
A5: Instead of
“Is 17 a prime number?” ask “Provide proof as to why 17 is a prime number.”
Parent:
“Tell me about XX activity I saw on @Seesaw@Facebook@Instagram today”
“In what ways were you challenged today”
“What challenged you today and why was it a stretch"
#iaedchat
A5: What would be your next move if you were in the shoes of the character? Please provide evidence and detail to support your thinking. Bonus pic included: #iaedchat
A6: Many question options should be used.
If all of the multiple choice answers are plausible and the S needs to provide proof to explain his/her answer, multiple choice questions are a justifiable option. #IAedChat
A6 MC questions have their place and they can have rigor but it requires planning and care in the creation of those problems. They are a good way to capture a snap shot of learning. #iaedchat
A6 it doesn’t give me a clear picture of their thinking/reasoning so I don’t like to use it to make instructional decisions, but they unfortunately need exposure to it #iaedchat
A6: MC can be a good snap shot of current learning. If I provide a quick exit ticket it could include MC which could give some insight into where to go for the next day. #iaedchat
A6: Multiple choice questions are not all bad if they can: reflect errors in student thinking and provide teachers with information of what students know and can do. #iaedchat There is still a place for multiple choice in my opinion.
A6: MC can be a good snap shot of current learning. If I provide a quick exit ticket it could include MC which could give some insight into where to go for the next day. #iaedchat
A6: the problem with multiple choice is it hides what a student actually thinks. Teacher should help students move along a learning journey not not assess a student to circle a letter #iaedchat
A6. Some multiple choice is okay, but not exclusively, The questions need to be planned out, not with wild answers that could never be correct. #iaedchat
A6. I think this type of questioning is necessary to get our Ss in respect to critcal thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, etc. #iaedchat
A6: the problem with multiple choice is it hides what a student actually thinks. Teacher should help students move along a learning journey not not assess a student to circle a letter #iaedchat
After a training, I take notes on which questions were most effective at achieving our goals & which questions led to answers that I didn't expect. I use them to refine my questions for the next workshop. #iaedchat
A6.3: What if multiple all four multiple choice questions were plausible and had to be defended by the student with evidence? I can see effectiveness and deep thinking here. All in how we use (or overuse) the tool #iaedchat
A7: I want to look deeper at the things we’re asking Ss to do. Don’t focus solely on the verb with DOK - look at the task being asked to ensure it’s a critical thinking question. Investigate the SOLO taxonomy more. #IAedChat
A7 be intentional to STOP talking, START listening, and provide careful pushback to go deeper. Put kids in the driver’s seat to ask questions to each other by modeling question stems regularly #iaedchat
A7: STOP asking mindless questions that are low level and do not build engagement. START planning out 1 or 2 open-ended, discussion driving questions for each segment of learning. #iaedchat
A7: Changing up my wait time has been a big focus for mine this year. I tend to not wait long enough b/c the awkward silence makes me nervous. I need to allow the kids time to think critically about the question instead of rushing them on to the answer. #IaEdChat#DrakeEDL
A7: I am always working to STOP yes/no ?’s. They still slip out time to time. Looking to START creating more sentence stems to promote student questioning and discussion as we work to create a greater emphasis on peer collaboration in the classroom. #iaedchat
A7: Listen more and talk less. Put Ss in positions to create and ask questions that go beyond things they can already do. Also, continue looking at the tasks I am currently asking Ss to do in the classroom. #iaedchat
A7. When utilizing open-ended questions, it's important to give Ss time to reflect and think about their thought process and derive their answers to the questions! #iaedchat
A7 - I will Work on stop answering my own questions before giving my students time to answer and start implementing think time more often to give everyone the same amount of time to answer! #iaedchat
A7. Allow more think time. I am going to think about the answer to a question asked in my mind and how long I think it would take a S to get the answer before I interrupt S thinking #iaedchat
We should try to avoid stopping with just the MC question when trying to gauge learning. Have them go deeper - ask why or tell them to prove their thinking. #IAedChat
A6: the problem with multiple choice is it hides what a student actually thinks. Teacher should help students move along a learning journey not not assess a student to circle a letter #iaedchat
A6.3: What if multiple all four multiple choice questions were plausible and had to be defended by the student with evidence? I can see effectiveness and deep thinking here. All in how we use (or overuse) the tool #iaedchat
Always love when past blog posts are visited. Gives me a chance to update, as not everything transferred well with newest updates. Still working on things! Think Pair Share Variations is always a favorite! https://t.co/nQfpg7N70J#educoach#teachers#edchat#iaedchat
A7: Be intentional with questions and wait time. I think it’s powerful to ask questions to drive Ss deeper even if I have to do some learning and research alongside them. #IAedChat
Thanks to tonight's participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @colinwikan!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/q8mtcjVIo3
Thanks to tonight's awesome participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @colinwikan!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
And John Hattie would say: “Listen interpretively (to understand what’s behind the Ss thinking), not evaluatively.” This truly is a different way of listening. Challenging, but very worthwhile! #iaedchat T
Thanks to tonight's awesome participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @colinwikan!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
And John Hattie would say: “Listen interpretively (to understand what’s behind the Ss thinking), not evaluatively.” This truly is a different way of listening. Challenging, but very worthwhile! #iaedchat T
Thanks to tonight's awesome participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @colinwikan!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
Thanks to tonight's awesome participants and my partners in moderating @danpbutler and @colinwikan!
Don’t forget to bookmark our #IAedChat google site which houses an archive of these chats, our live chats, and resources! https://t.co/RDe0s53sQ5
