TOOLBOX POSSIBILITIES
Questioning/Higher Order Thinking Skills
As with all of the Trust Based Observations resource and weblinks pages, remember
these are abridged lists of recommendations. I am always excited about improving
these lists so please don’t hesitate to email me at craig@trustbased.com with any
suggestions or if for some reason a link is no longer active.
Recommended Books:
Now That’s a Good Question by Erik M. Francis, is the first book I’ve seen devoted solely to ‘Questioning.’ Some
really good stuff in here for those who wish to really dig into questioning.
General Questioning/Higher Order Thinking Skills Articles:
Classroom Questioning--In depth article, goes into research on effective questioning, on using longer wait time.
Higher Order Questions--Excellent article that gives quick tips and examples of different types of higher level
questions for different points in a lesson.
Seven Strategies That Encourage Neural Branching--Very useful article with suggestions on how and when to use
Higher Order Questions.
Developing Rigorous Questions--Fairly in depth report on how to better develop, understand, and answer rigorous
questions.
Framework for Thinking Through Quality Questioning--In depth, yet practice paper that helps teachers in
developing quality questioning.
Effective Questioning and Classroom Talk--Excellent resource guide. The article includes a seemingly limitless
series of questioning strategies to build whole class understanding, to develop critical thinking, develop creativity and
much more.
Asking Effective Questions--Lots of sample prompts for different levels of questions.
Questioning Techniques: Research-Based Strategies for Teachers--Solid resource for information on how to
question better and a good resource guide, even a couple of videos on questioning strategies.
Sample Question Stems Based on Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy--Excellent resource for question starters.
Toolbox Possibilities:
Bloom’s Revised Checklist
A fantastic table/guide to help teachers develop questions of varying levels of thinking and action to help them aim
towards higher order levels of thinking.
Revised Bloom’s Taxonomy–Question Starters--Self explanatory article--excellent resource for teachers.
QUESTIONS FOR THE REVISED BLOOM’S TAXONOMY--Self explanatory, excellent list of verbs to accompany
question starters.