The Use of Discussion and Questioning in the Classroom

Effective teachers know the importance of discussion in the classroom. By using discussion, the teacher can provide a classroom community that is united. In such an environment students will feel comfortable furthering their learning by asking questions and talking about opinions and experiences. It is important that students feel comfortable within the classroom for the simple reason that it promotes achievement (Cavanaugh & Cavanaugh, 2001).

Students need to know how to participate in meaningful discussion. This is an invaluable skill that will be used throughout their academic career, as well as in the work force. When students are involved in meaningful discussions, they learn from each other and are encouraged think critically about and explore thoroughly what they are learning (Barton, Heilker, & Rutkowski, 2001). Teachers who provide warm and nurturing environments that allow students to thrive will have more success.

Teachers also need to make use of questioning procedures. Questioning works for both the student and the teacher in that it provides feedback and correction to students, but also allows teachers to evaluate their own instruction. Teachers require feedback in order to detect low-achieving students and then decide how to modify the curriculum to meet the needs of all students.

Questioning also provides an opportunity for students to receive the feedback that they require in order to assess their own knowledge. If a teacher questions students and they successfully answer, the teacher and the students both know that the lesson was effective. On the other hand, if the questions are not successfully answered the teacher has the information needed to make a decision about whether re-teaching is necessary.