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Getting learners talking by using questions

Comment on why it’s good and talk about possible disadvantages

We’ve talked before about the usefulness of using questions as a way of engaging learners and getting them to talk in class. In the video for this step we’ve put together some of the questions a teacher (Kata) asks at different times in a lesson.

You won’t hear the learners answering as we’re focusing on the questions the teacher asks. Watch the video and look at the ways that the teacher uses questions at different times. Which of these reasons for using questions do you see being used in the video? What questions does the teacher ask? Make some notes as you watch.

Reasons for using questions

  • To check learners know what to do in an activity
  • To get learners to say what they know about a topic
  • To check that learners understand some vocabulary or grammar
  • To check that learners have the answers to a task.
  • Task

    Why do you think it’s a good idea to use questions in class? Are there any disadvantages? Write your ideas in the comments.

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    Exploring the World of English Language Teaching

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