How To Guide – Asking Relevant Questions
As instructors, the way we ask questions can make a significant impact on our pupils’ learning experience. In our latest members’ Zoom session, we explored strategies for asking more effective questions during driving lessons. The session provided practical insights into structuring questions, timing them correctly, and ultimately fostering a more engaging and independent learning environment for pupils. If you missed the live session, the recording is available to members here.
Key Takeaways
Effective questioning is more than just a teaching technique—it’s a tool to enhance understanding, encourage independent thinking, and create a more interactive learning experience. Some of the biggest takeaways from this session included:
- Use Open-Ended Questions: Avoid leading questions with expected answers. Instead, ask open-ended ones that invite pupils to think critically.
- Structure Your Questions: Models like GROW (Goals, Reality, Options, Way forward), SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), and the 5 driving skills framework help in crafting purposeful questions.
- Time Your Questions Wisely: Avoid distracting pupils during critical driving moments. Instead, use techniques like “flagging” topics to discuss later.
- Build Rapport: Explain why you’re asking questions and encourage pupils to share their thoughts and feedback.
Why Effective Questioning Matters
- Develops Critical Thinking: Encourages pupils to analyze situations, make decisions, and build confidence in their abilities.
- Reduces Instructor Bias: Avoids assumptions by allowing pupils to express their understanding in their own words.
- Enhances Adaptability: Helps instructors tailor lessons based on pupils’ thought processes and responses.
Techniques for Better Questioning
- Question Timing and Delivery:
- Be mindful of when to ask questions—avoid complex queries when pupils need to focus (e.g., at busy junctions).
- Use the “flag” technique to mark discussion points for later reflection.
- Recognize body language cues that indicate overwhelm and adjust accordingly.
- Encourage pupils to request quiet driving time for independent practice.
- Question Structures and Models:
- GROW Model: Guide pupils from goal setting to actionable steps.
- SMART Model: Helps in setting clear and achievable targets.
- 5 Driving Skills: Focus on core competencies like car control, anticipation, and judgment.
- MSPSL Routine: Reinforce safe driving habits by questioning pupils on Mirrors, Signal, Position, Speed, and Look.
- Building a Question Bank:
- Create a library of questions based on lesson objectives.
- Incorporate new techniques from fellow instructors.
- Use emotional engagement: “What excites or worries you about driving?”
- Frame questions with softening phrases: “What, if anything, could have been done differently?”
- Fostering Independence:
- Introduce silent independent practice to help pupils gain confidence.
- Use commentary driving as an alternative to constant questioning.
- Maintain a balance between engagement and giving pupils space to think independently.
Next Steps
Following this session, we encourage you to:
- Experiment with new questioning techniques in upcoming lessons.
- Gather pupil feedback to refine your approach.
- Start building a personalized question bank tailored to your lesson objectives.
Our next Zoom session, “8 Pitfalls to Avoid During Your Part 3/SC”, will take place on March 12th. Don’t miss out on valuable insights to develop your skills and gain an insight into the Instructional ability test.
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