Simone

Assessment Prompts for Student Reflections Assessment Rubric for Digital Story Student checklist for Digital Postcard
 * [[file:Unit_Plan_Simone_Gannon_TWT2.doc]] Simone's Unit Plan: 'My Community - My Place'

What is the right balance between open and closed questions? How can you make sure that students are really thinking more deeply whe using open ended questions?** Teachers need to use a fine balance of both open and closed questioning to encourage and deepen learning. Open ended questions are a good way to start, as they get students thinking about different possibilities and reasoning. They can't simply answer with a yes or no then forget about the question. Closed questions can help students clarify understanding in relation to an open ended question. Closed questions can help students to sort out their ideas, consider another track, clarify understanding or 'remember' something else they can draw upon. Closed questions need to be used in relation to open questions so that students are encouraged to think of other issues, elements and points of view. They can then evaluate and refine their understanding of their learning.

Teachers need to carefully consider the different types of open ended questioning they use. They need to have a clear objective in mind in order to ask students questions that will really deepen their thinking.