In 4TV we have been learning all about questioning. Good readers ask questions before, during and after reading. This helps us to deepen our understanding and comprehension of texts. There are different types of questions that we can ask. Sometimes the answers are in the text, sometimes we need to use our prior knowledge and what's in the text to help us and other times we have to use our thinking skills.
Thick and Thin Questions
We have been exploring the difference between thick and thin questions. We have talked about why thick questions are better for research. Thick questions help us to deepen our understanding of "big ideas" and combine information from multiple sources.
The Question Quadrant
4TV have been using the Question Quadrant to help with questioning. The Question Quadrant is a powerful tool developed by philosopher Phil Cam. It is used to draw out and generate different types of questions. The Quadrant can be used to distinguish closed(thin) and open(thick) questions that relate specifically to the book or stimulus; or closed and open questions that lead us to wonder.