How Can a Question Prompt Discussion?
If the question can be answered affirmatively or negatively, it’s not a discussion question.
Questions designed to prompt discussion should pave the way for students to share diverse opinions and perspectives without focusing on right or wrong answers. If there’s a clear, correct answer, there’s not always going to be a lot to discuss.
Example
- Do you agree or disagree with the author’s view that restorative justice is a more meaningful learning experience than retributive justice? Why? Provide at least two reasons or your viewpoint. Can you give an example from your own life that supports your answer?
How Can a Question Assess Comprehension?
Questions are the tool most often used to assess whether or not students understand.
Comprehension questions can range from very basic forage and retrieve questions, in which the student simply locates and repeats a piece of information, and then progress in difficulty from there. The more successfully a student can answer complex comprehension questions, the better they have understood.
Examples
- What is canonicity? (forage and retrieve)
- In your own words, explain the difference between the objective and subjective tests for canonicity. (paraphrase)
- What are the similarities and differences in the composition and sequencing phases of establishing canonicity? (compare/contrast)
- Some theologians consider the Old Testament to be an example of inspired writing. Do you agree with their assessment? Why/why not? Use examples from the chapter to support your opinion. (express and support an opinion)
