Observing and Questioning Collaborative Groups

As you facilitate lessons, you use a variety of questions to help you better understand student thinking. Here are a few tips for maintaining  the cognitive demand of the task while making the most of those questioning moments.

Instead of Try

Immediately commenting or asking questions when joining a group

Observing group interactions before asking questions or making comments
Assuming what a student is thinking Asking questions to gain a better understanding of student thinking
Providing comments on student work before talking to the students Allowing opportunities for students to provide insights into their thinking and use of vocabulary by asking students to explain their thinking before commenting
Assuming all students are entering the lesson with limited knowledge or vocabulary Using additional questioning to learn more about what a student's prior knowledge is

 

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Observing and Questioning Groups in the Classroom

 

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