The Art of Asking Questions

You will get the answer you need if you ask a relevant question.

Questions are a key part of your learning and they are key elements of problem solving or inquiry processes.

These processes are embedded in Math (e.g. solve these problems), Social Studies, History and Geography (e.g. research), Language (e.g. story writing), Science (e.g. the scientific method). The problem solving process (and questioning) is found in the Valleys Values, and even in the fiction books you read and movies you watch.

Questions can be OPEN or CLOSED.

OPEN questions promote discussion. Open questions often begin with words like “What”, “How”, “Who”, “When" and "Why". Open questions can be:

• Subjective - when you ask for someone's thoughts, ideas or opinions. e.g. What are your thoughts on global warming?
• Objective - when you ask for specific information. e.g. What evidence do you have to support your opinion?
• Problem Solving - ask these types of questions when you want to take action. e.g. What can we do to reduce pollution?

CLOSED questions can be answered in a few words. They often begin with words like "Do", "May", or "Can". Closed questions have a specific answer and can be a:

• Selection question (either/or). e.g. Would you like a drink of water or milk?
• Yes/No question. e.g. May I borrow your stapler?

References:

http://www.bizsuccess.com/articles/ask.htm