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A good question is one that leads to a useful answer or at least to the next question.
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Ah, a sophist in our midst! Always a good thing? No, but I only suggest that we need to ask more of them. I would argue, though, that questions do essentially equal engagement. Perhaps not deep engagement – as in the example you give – but having to generate a question of any type requires at least a minimal level of focused mental activity. Even so, I don’t advocate the sort of rote questioning in your example (which I realize is all too common). Questions are just one tool in the engagement toolbox and need to be used well.
As for what constitutes a good one – I’d be interested in what you or other readers think. I find it difficult to generalize about what constitutes a “good” question. If you have a specific learning objective in mind, for example, then questions that lead to achieving that objective may be “good” (an argument in favor of formative testing). On the other hand, the path to knowledge is often circuitous and we often benefit from pursuing seemingly random or tangential questions (an argument the average constructivist would embrace). Still, “What is a good question” is a good question.
Thoughts anyone?
Jeff
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Is a question always a good thing? I sort felt compelled to post a question in response to this post, but then I wasn’t really sure what to ask. Maybe you should do a post about how to ask good questions? Or whether questions are always needed? I certainly believe that if we’re to learn, then engagement is key, but do questions equal engagement? I think we’ve all seen lackluster questioning–for example, when are students required to ask at least three questions following another student’s presentation. And who are the questions for? For the questioner? The questionee? Those listening to the exchange? Anyhow, this was a post that got me to put on my questioning cap. Thanks, Jeff.
Reply Jason – Excellent. If you think of it, please comment again to share how it goes. I’d like to know, and I am sure other readers would too. Thanks for commenting! – Jeff
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Great post. I am going to try to ask 5 questions a day for a week, and see what sort of results that brings. I think looking for questions to ask will promote daily learning and self improvement.
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