Asking Questions: A Powerful Learning Tool

Q.    Why is it so hard for students to ask questions?

A.    There’s one thing we wish all our students knew: It’s okay to speak up and ask a question in class! 

There are many reasons students don’t ask questions in school:

·       They don’t want to be embarrassed in front of their peers

·       They don’t want the teacher to know they don’t understand

·       They are so confused; they don’t know what to ask.

Questions are a powerful learning tool. When questions are asked, the brain actively pays attention and processes the information rather than just being along for the ride. Asking questions is about being fully receptive, focused and engaged in the ideas, concepts, and material presented.

Asking questions is also about self-advocacy, and a way for students to gain independence by taking charge of their learning.  And let’s face it, whether due to shyness or complete loss of hope in a subject, it can be very difficult for students to ask questions. 

So what can parents do to make sure their student is asking questions? Here are some tips:

·       Engage in mock asking-answer sessions at home

·       Assure your student that there are no wrong questions – chances are another student has the same one!

·       Tell your student that by speaking up, their teachers will know they are actively paying attention – which might earn the student some brownie points

Asking questions is a fundamental study skill that we should encourage students to do in school. Find out how students can also use questions to assess where they have been and where they want to go in this week’s Thursday Tips.

Subscribe to S4’s free Thursday Tips to read the full story this week!

Contact S4 at 203-307-5455 or info@S4StudySkills.com for more information and study tips.