As we are deep into our lesson of the day with our students, we often run out of questions for them to answer. This is common, in fact, teachers manage to become experts at “winging it” when it comes to asking questions. Some of us can be quick and relate it to the latest social media trends to relate to the students. Sometimes these questions and answers lead to different topic of discussion, but it is guaranteed to stick to the students memory, as they can relate the topic to the lesson. I’ve had many conversations with teachers in my past where they were able to relate to my personal lifestyle. This helped me a lot, especially when math and baseball was co-referenced. To this day I cannot just watch baseball, I somehow manage to be thinking of numbers and equations. Then, if he will allow it, I will teach my son (who is six years old at the moment) a few math lessons. Just as we have discussed in class, what we learn and choose to remember in the classroom can guide us through life, whether we want it to or not. It all starts with questions. Questions that make us answer personally, professionally, or rhetorically. Questions are the foundation of thinking one way and then thinking another, taking what you learn and adapting to it. Questions are asked so many times a day that we sometimes don’t know if we are even asking questions. All I am saying is, questions are good. Questions are food for thought. They can be as complex as possible, or they can be closed ended. In our own minds, these can also lead us to question ourselves and others. As a teacher, sometimes opening up these thoughts in a students brain can lead them to think critically about their surroundings, their traditions, beliefs, culture, future, and of others as well. If my math teacher did not ask me if baseball was my life, (I was a teenager, I was very much inexperienced with the idea of life without baseball) he wouldn’t have been able to turn a part of my brain into a thinking machine when it comes to numbers. Not only did this set me up for success within myself, but I remember how he taught me, so I can use those teachings in my own math class one day.
Questions are managerial, (keeping the operation moving forward: open ended questions) rhetorical, (emphasizing points being made or to reinforce ideas) closed and open ended (yes/no and the 5 w’s). These questions can make any classroom experience a good one. As a young individual who asks a lot of questions, I will continue to reinforce this practice, as it moves us ahead in our own lives and in society. I’m hoping that being able to ask my surroundings questions will encourage me to ask what needs to be asked in my own classroom.
