Questioning for Classroom Discussion: Purposeful Speaking, Engaged Listening, Deep Thinking

What type of questioning invigorates and sustains productive discussions?

That's what Jackie Acree Walsh and Beth Dankert Sattes ask as they begin a passionate exploration of questioning as the beating heart of thoughtful discussions. Questioning and discussion are important components of classroom instruction that work in tandem to push learning forward and move students from passive participants to active meaning-makers.

Walsh and Sattes argue that the skills students develop through questioning and discussion are critical to academic achievement, career success, and active citizenship in a democratic society. They also have great potential to engage students at the highest levels of thinking and learning.

The extent to which this potential is realized, of course, depends on individual teachers who embrace these practices, make them their own, and realize that this process requires a true partnership with students.

With that in mind, Questioning for Classroom Discussion presents and analyzes the DNA of productive discussionsteacher-guided, small-group, and student-driven.

What type of questioning invigorates and sustains productive discussions?

That's what Jackie Acree Walsh and Beth Dankert Sattes ask as they begin a passionate exploration of questioning as the beating heart of thoughtful discussions. Questioning and discussion are important components of classroom instruction that work in tandem to push learning forward and move students from passive participants to active meaning-makers.

Walsh and Sattes argue that the skills students develop through questioning and discussion are critical to academic achievement, career success, and active citizenship in a democratic society. They also have great potential to engage students at the highest levels of thinking and learning.

The extent to which this potential is realized, of course, depends on individual teachers who embrace these practices, make them their own, and realize that this process requires a true partnership with students.

With that in mind, Questioning for Classroom Discussion presents and analyzes the DNA of productive discussions—teacher-guided, small-group, and student-driven.

The right question sparks students minds and spurs their conversations. Discussion comes alive in the classroom when students and teachers learn to ask that just right question. This does not occur by happenstance but through thoughtful planning, intentional modeling, strategic scaffolding, and differentiated coaching. This book provides a systematic way to improve our questioning while intentionally helping students develop skills for productive discussion. --
Doug Fisher

Of all the arrows in the accomplished teacher's quiver, the skillful use of questioning and discussion is central to high levels of student engagement and learning. As an indication of its importance, it is the one specific instructional strategy described in the Framework for Teaching. This book presents a comprehensive examination of the many aspects of successfully using questioning and discussion strategies to deepen student understanding. It's a real contribution to the field. --
Charlotte Danielson

Jackie Acree Walsh is a co-developer with Beth Dankert Sattes of Questioning and Understanding to Improve Learning and Thinking (QUILT), a nationally validated professional development program on effective questioning. They are also co-authors of Inside School Improvement (2000) and co-presenters of the Video Journal in Education series Questioning to Stimulate Thinking (1999). These two former classroom teachers have trained hundreds of administrators and teachers across the nation in effective questioning. Their other joint ventures have focused on creating effective professional development for educators, sharing leadership for continuous school improvement, and creating a culture for high-performance learning communities. A recent example of their work is the design and delivery of professional development for school improvement specialists consultants or staff who work to develop the capacity of schools to improve achievement for all students. They have also developed professional development modules on improving school culture (for the Southern Regional Education Board) and leading learning communities (for the Alabama Leadership Academy). Walsh holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Duke University, a master's degree in teaching (MAT) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a PhD in education administration and supervision from the University of Alabama. Both Walsh and Sattes have served as faculty for the National Staff Development Council's Academy.

Beth Dankert Sattes is a co-developer with Jackie Acree Walsh of Questioning and Understanding to Improve Learning and Thinking (QUILT), a nationally validated professional development program on effective questioning. They are also co-authors of Inside School Improvement (2000) and co-presenters of the Video Journal in Education series Questioning to Stimulate Thinking (1999). These two former classroom teachers have trained hundreds of administrators and teachers across the nation in effective questioning. Their other joint ventures have focused on creating effective professional development for educators, sharing leadership for continuous school improvement, and creating a culture for high-performance learning communities. A recent example of their work is the design and delivery of professional development for school improvement specialists consultants or staff who work to develop the capacity of schools to improve achievement for all students. They have also developed professional development modules on improving school culture (for the Southern Regional Education Board) and leading learning communities (for the Alabama Leadership Academy). Beth Dankert Sattes holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree in early childhood special education from Peabody College. Both Sattes and Walsh have served as faculty for the National Staff Development Council's Academy.