Ask Guiding Questions: Imagine You’re the Teacher
Picture yourself standing beside this group. Ethan is dominating the conversation, Maya is struggling to contribute, Jordan is disengaging, and Sofia needs support. You decide to step in by asking guiding questions instead of giving the group an answer. Before scrolling, imagine how each student might respond. Could your questions help them think and work together more independently?
Watch the video below — then scroll down to see what happens when this class tries it.
Why This Video Matters
This video demonstrates how teachers can use questioning strategies to encourage students to think more deeply, explain their reasoning, and participate in classroom discussion. In the Classroom Crossroads scenario, the teacher uses this same approach with Ethan, Maya, Jordan, and Sofia rather than immediately solving the problem for them. As you watch, consider how guiding questions might change the group’s participation and problem-solving. Then scroll down to compare your expectations with the hypothetical outcome and see both the benefits and possible limitations of this approach.
Outcome: Ask Guiding Questions
You decide to ask the student’s guiding questions. You join the group and ask questions that invite every student into the discussion:
“Ethan, why do you think the rug and books are the best choices?”
“Maya, what would you add to the reading corner?”
“Jordan, can you check how much those items cost together?”
“Sofia, which part of the budget is confusing?”
What Happens?
Ethan explains his reasoning instead of simply making the decision. Maya suggests adding a book basket so the new books can stay organized. Jordan calculates that the rug, three books, and a basket cost $24. Sofia explains that she was unsure how to determine whether the group had gone over the budget. The other students showed her how they added the prices and compared the total with $25. She begins participating again, and the group reaches a decision through discussion.
Benefits
- Students explain their thinking rather than just giving answers.
- Sofia receives help without being embarrassed.
- The group develops a deeper understanding of the budgeting problem.
- Students listen and respond to different perspectives.
Potential Drawback
Once you leave the group, Ethan may begin dominating the conversation again. The guiding questions improve the discussion, but they do not provide the same ongoing structure as assigned roles do.
Classroom Crossroads 