How can we ask questions that improve thinking and reasoning?
This unit contains a selection of professional activities that are designed to help teachers to reflect on:
- characteristics of their questioning that encourage students to reflect, think and reason;
- ways in which teachers might encourage students to provide extended, thoughtful answers, without being afraid of making mistakes;
- the value of showing students what reasoning means by 'thinking aloud'.
The activities described below are given here as a 'menu' of suggestions to help the provider select and plan. They are presented in a logical order, building up knowledge and expertise.
Any planned professional development program should offer opportunities for teachers to try new pedagogies in the classroom and then report back and reflect on their experiences. Activity D is therefore essential in the program.
About the MAP PD Modules
These modules have been developed by the Shell Centre team at the Centre for Research in Mathematics Education, University of Nottingham. They draw on successful materials developed by the team for Bowland Maths and Improving Learning in Mathematics.
Getting started
Download the print materials (links on the left) and read the main Module Guide.
Use the tabs at the top of the screen to browse the video which accompanies this module.