Questioning & Thinking Skills
Week 1 – The Power of Effective Questioning
Effective questioning does far more than check whether pupils know the right answer—it can spark curiosity, uncover misconceptions and deepen thinking. Carefully chosen questions encourage pupils to explain, justify, make connections and engage more actively with their learning. In this session, we'll explore how purposeful questioning can move thinking beyond simple recall, increase participation and create classrooms where pupils are challenged to think deeply and confidently.
Week 2 – Cold-Calling & No-Hands-Up Strategies
Effective questioning should give every pupil the opportunity to think, not just those confident enough to raise their hand. Cold-calling and no-hands-up strategies create a classroom culture where everyone is expected to participate, increasing engagement and giving teachers a clearer picture of whole-class understanding. In this session, we'll explore how to use these approaches positively and inclusively, ensuring pupils feel safe to contribute while maintaining high expectations for all.
Week 3 –Wait Time & Extending Answers
Good questioning isn't only about the question we ask - it's also about what we do after asking it. Giving pupils purposeful thinking time allows more learners to process the question, formulate a response and contribute with confidence. In this session, we'll explore how effective wait time, follow-up prompts and probing questions can extend pupils' initial responses, encourage deeper explanations and create a classroom culture where thoughtful answers are valued over quick ones.
Week 4 – Encouraging Critical Thinking & Curiosity
Great teaching doesn't just help pupils find the right answer - it encourages them to question, explore and think more deeply about what they are learning. By creating opportunities to investigate ideas, consider different perspectives and justify their reasoning, teachers can nurture both curiosity and critical thinking. In this session, we'll explore practical strategies for developing inquisitive learners who are confident to ask questions, challenge assumptions and explain the thinking behind their ideas.
Week 5 –Using Questions for Adaptation
Effective questioning allows teachers to respond to pupils’ needs without creating entirely different learning experiences. By carefully adjusting the level of prompting, challenge and support, questions can help pupils access learning while maintaining high expectations for all. In this session, we’ll explore how purposeful questioning can uncover understanding, provide appropriate scaffolding and extend thinking, enabling teachers to adapt responsively in the moment.
Week 6 – Embedding Higher-Order Thinking into Everyday Lessons
Higher-order thinking shouldn't be reserved for particular pupils, subjects or special activities - it can be woven into everyday classroom practice. By routinely asking pupils to explain, justify, compare, evaluate and make connections, teachers can move learning beyond simple recall and encourage deeper understanding. In this final session, we'll explore practical ways to embed opportunities for deeper thinking across the curriculum, helping every pupil become a more confident, curious and independent thinker.