Section 1: Getting Started
Checking for Understanding:
Using Different Types of Questions
Sometimes, when you ask your peers if they understand something, they will just say ‘Yes’ or ‘No’. Keep in mind that some students who struggle with a concept are embarrassed and will tell you they understand it in order to avoid the concept entirely.
Asking the following six types of questions will help you understand whether or not they comprehend the material.
Asking the following six types of questions will help you understand whether or not they comprehend the material.
Clarification
Use clarification questions when your peer uses unclear language, or when you want more detail.
- What exactly did you mean by ___________?
- Could you tell me more about ___________?
Evaluation
Use evaluation questions when you want to learn more about your peer’s opinion on a matter.
- What are the pros and cons of this method?
- How good would you say it is?
Completeness and Accuracy
Use completeness and accuracy questions when you want to make sure your peer has considered everything.
- Is there anything else you’re unsure of?
- How can we double check that this is right?
Examples
Use example questions when you want your peer to give you a specific example to show that they understand.
- Could you give me an example of when we would use this?
- How/when else is this concept used?
Emotional
Use emotional questions when you want to understand how your peer is feeling about the session.
- How did you feel about these math problems?
- Do you feel a little more comfortable with this topic?
Extension
Use extension questions when you want more information about something your peer said.
- Could you tell me more about that, please?
- What happened after that?