7) Use probing and clarifying techniques

Our ability to ask strong follow up questions as professors creates opportunities for students to more accurately demonstrate their learning. Not only can we get at what students really know, but we also model questioning skills to students who can then implement them with one another, in their careers, etc.

Clarifying questions most often restate what you heard to ensure understanding and provide the opportunity for the responder to provide clarifying details or correct misunderstandings if needed.

Probing questions gently challenge the responder to think more deeply and expand upon their responses if needed.

The Key to Success with these Techniques

Asking good questions is difficult and requires practice. Having a guide printed and available during class discussions (in person or online) can help as you get comfortable with the techniques. The final section of this page can serve as a guide. Feel free to copy and edit it as needed.

Using these Techniques is Culturally Responsive because…

Asking clarifying and probing questions can:

Help all students better articulate their knowledge and abilities.

Overtly model how to frame stronger responses.

Not all students had the same opportunities to develop confidence and response techniques during their prior educational experiences. As mentioned at the top of this page, asking follow up questions to student responses models how to ask questions; it also models how to think through responses in the future.

Center students’ contributions to the class.

Combine well with random response techniques to

• • Ensure all students have the opportunity to develop their thoughts and contribute to class discussion.
  • Reduce fear about not having the “right” answer initially.

From Hammond’s definition of CRT: Challenge students to build stronger connections among what they already know and what they are learning. 

How do I Implement these Strategies?

Use the following prompts to develop clarifying and probing questions.

Clarifying Questions

• Is this what you said…?
• Did I understand you when you said…?
• Did I hear you correctly when you said…?
• What is another way you might…?

Probing Questions

• Why do you think that is the case?
• How did you determine…?
• What is the connection between…and…?
• What do you think would happen if…?

In addition to using these techniques yourself, provide students with guidelines for their small group discussions that encourage them to ask the same types of questions.