Observing Questioning Skills

Observer:______________________________ Teacher Matrix No.:_______________

Topic: _________________________________________
A good teacher can engage the whole class and challenge their thinking by skilful
questioning.
Here are several items designed to help observers evaluate the questioning skills of a
teacher during a lesson. Use a scale from 1 to 5 to rate each item where
1 = almost never, 2=occasionally, 3=sometimes, 4=regularly, 5= almost always
1. Encouraged students to respond, express their views and opinions and
justify them.
2. Posed thought provoking and intriguing questions which required students to
reflect on their views and observations.
3. Asked follow up questions in order to challenge the students and develop their
thinking skills.
4. Made good use of unexpected or wrong answers.
5. Tried to involve all students.
6. Allowed wait time.
7. Asked around before accepting an answer.
8. Asked some short factual questions to keep the group alert and accountable.
9. Used questions to assess learning/understanding.
10. Tried to ensure everyones attention to answers.
11. Asserted rules (e.g. insist on hands up before accepting answers) for class
responses, discussions etc.
12. Used questions in the reflection phase to assess whether the learning objectives
had been met.
Total:

Lecturers comment on observer:____________________________