Question stems can be a powerful part of the learning process. They can be used as higher-order thinking prompts for class discussions, prompting, cueing, pre-assessment, self-assessment, formative and summative assessment, etc.
Varying question stems can sustain engagement and promote critical thinking. Critical thinking is at the forefront of learning, as it aids students reflect and understand their points of views. This skill helps a student figure out how to make sense of the world, based on personal observation and understanding.
The students of Grade-VI were involved in an engaging and interactive group activity in their History lesson where they applied higher order questioning strategy. Students were provided reading material from their lesson ‘Turkish Muslims Conquer Northern India’ and they designed questions to ask from the students of other groups. Question stems were shared with them which helped them to create questions and enhance their higher order questioning skill. Later, a whole class discussion was generated related to the Turkish Muslim Rulers, based on the questions they had created.
This activity not only helped them to engage in learning but also gave them ownership of being a part of learning process by giving answers of the questions designed by them.
