“Skill: Ask students follow-up questions,” Teacher Support and Training Resources (2024)
Invite Diligent Learning
Skill: Ask students follow-up questions.
What is my initial understanding or ability? (Assessment):
Write a follow-up question for the following statement given by a student in your class:
“The other day I was reading the scriptures and found one that I really needed to hear.”
What is it and why is it important? (Define):
Asking follow-up questions invites students to share more about what they are thinking and feeling. It also allows the teacher to remain student focused and gives students an opportunity to engage on a deeper level. Additionally, it invites revelation from the Spirit, for both the learner and the teacher. As you listen to a student’s comment or question, one way to prepare for a follow up question is to ask yourself, “What do I want to know more about?” (regarding the comment, question, or the student) then ask the student about what you want to know. The following are a few examples that can help you get started asking follow-up questions:
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“Can you tell me more about … ?”
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“Help us better understand what you mean by … ?”
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“What did you learn about … ?”
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“Why do you think … ?”
Who or what provides a good illustration of this? (Model):
As Juan shares an experience about a prayer his family offered, I ask myself, “What more do I want to know about Juan’s experience?” As I listen, I want to know what he learned about Heavenly Father through that experience, so I ask, “Juan, what did you learn about Heavenly Father from that experience?”
How can I practice using this skill or applying this principle? (Practice):
As you read the following comments from students ask yourself, “What do I want to know more about?” Write a follow-up question you might ask this student.
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“The other day I was reading the scriptures and found a scripture that I really needed to hear.”
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“How can I know when it is my own thought or when the Holy Ghost is speaking?”
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“This scripture reminds me of what President Nelson said about being peacemakers.”
Ponder or discuss:
Why is asking follow-up questions an important part of the learning experience?
Compare what you did in the beginning assessment to the practice you just completed. What differences do you observe?
How and when will I incorporate this?
Apply what you have learned today by taking the time to ask follow-up questions as students share their experiences with you this coming week.
Write a plan that will help you practice this skill every day moving forward.