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Using questions - Introduction

Overview

Questions are one of the first language pattern that humans learn as children, they then spend several years of their lives practising the skill of questioning until the time comes for driving instructor training.

Then suddenly for many people (with the help of their trainer) 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 you will still have to work with the learner's answers (and ask more 'right' questions!).

Perhaps the most important skill when it comes to asking questions is that of 'listening' to the answers.

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 …?"

Only ask one question at a time.

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

Speak to your 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.

Use questions that fit with the aims for the lesson.

You also need to have an idea of the learning outcome, stay on track but don't be too rigid – the best learning usually occurs when the learner is driving the process (within your structured framework).

Allow your learners 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. Take time to think about any responses that you offer.

Respect your learner's answers.

They are answering the best of their ability – their answers might not be what you want but it is often the 'wrong' answers that provide the most opportunity to accelerate the learning process.

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

Next: Step 2 - Open & closed questions