Questions are one of the first language patterns that humans learn as children; as they grow older they spend several years of their lives practising the skill of questioning until the time comes for driving instructor training. Then, suddenly, for many people, they forget everything they know about asking questions!

Asking questions is easy, but asking the right questions takes a little skill and practise - and this might mean asking lots and lots of 'wrong' questions before you discover the skill of asking the 'right' questions.

But even with the best questioning skills in the world you will still have to work with the learner's answers (and ask more 'right' questions!). With this in mind perhaps the most important skill when it comes to asking questions is that of 'listening' to the answers. Not, as some students seem to believe, memorising lists of questions.

Questioning tips

Start with questions that are relevant to the current situation.

If you don't know where to start ask your learner. How about "What do you think is the most important thing to consider when …?"

Ask only one question at a time.

Keep your questions crisp, clear and to the point, otherwise you run the risk of confusing your learners.

Focus your questions

"What is the meaning of life, the universe and everything?" is a great question but it's far too big to answer during a 60 minute pedestrian crossing lesson! Something like "What are the risks of stopping beyond the stop line when the light change?" might be more useful.

Speak to the learner, not the windscreen!

Your learners will hear you better, both physically and psychologically, when you look directly at them as you ask questions; doing this will help to ensure that the question is heard and understood.

Allow your learners enough time to answer!

I often hear instructors jumping in after a few seconds. Watch the learner carefully when asking questions, you can see when they are busy thinking; allow as much time as it takes. If they look 'stuck' or offer a 'don't know' answer, rephrase the question or make it easier by adding or removing detail.

Listen carefully to the answers (be interested!).

Sometimes instructors are so busy thinking about what they want to hear, or thinking of the next question, that they fail to listen. Ironically, it's impossible to accurately frame your next question until you have heard and understood the current answer.

Respect your learner's answers.

When you ask a question the learner will answer to the best of their ability – their answers might not be what you want but it is often the 'wrong' answers that provide the best opportunities to accelerate the learning process. Right or wrong, the learners answer will determine your next question or other input.

By allowing time, listening carefully and respecting the learner's answers you will find that:

Learners will be more willing to volunteer answers
The number of 'I don't know' responses or 'silences' will decrease
Learner's replies will increase in accuracy and detail as they gain confidence
You will become a better questioner!

Next: Open & Closed questions...