Suggestion 114. Probe for adequate answers from students

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Have students apply concepts to demonstrate understanding

• Use effective questioning strategies

Probing for adequate answers from students.

Probing involves asking the same student a series of questions, when his or her initial response is inadequate. The procedure is used when the student is suspected of possessing the necessary background knowledge for handling the question, but does not produce the full or correct answer.

For example, a teacher may ask a complex or abstract question. If a student is not able to respond, the teacher moves to a lower level question based on components or an example. If the student provides an incomplete response, he or she is asked another question designed to bring out a fuller answer. However, if the student gives an incorrect response, the teacher gives an obvious example which reveals the student's response to be untrue, e.g., saying "what about...?" The same technique can be used with an entire class as well as a single student.

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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