Higher+order+versus+lower+order+questioning

= Higher Order versus Lower Order Questions = === What do you recall from your high school math class? If you are like me you memorized the theorems and formulas long enough to pass the end of course test. If you asked me now how to determine an angle of a triangle I would not know where to begin. The question is: did I really learn and understand geometric principles or did I memorize the material for quick recall at that time ? ===

"Higher order questioning encourages students to think critically, ... is powerful for learning ... lower order questioning, ... taps only the memorization of facts" (Wimer, Ridenour, Thomas, & Place, 2001 p. 84).

When we ask students lower order thinking questions we are not tapping into their true understanding of the concept. we are merely asking them to repeat what we have said to them or pull it directly from the text. Lower order thinking questions have their place in the classroom, but it should not be the whole mode of questioning strategies.

According to Wimer, Ridenhour, Thomas, & Place, students who are asked lower order thinking questions are simply accessing their memory bank and are not accessing their complex thinking abilities (2001).

Higher thinking questions allow the educator to tap into the thought process of the child. What do they already know? How can they take that knowledge and apply it to come to new conclusions? What have they taken from the lesson? What misconceptions are there? How can we help them to find understanding? Can they put it into practical application?

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=Questioning Stems= Click on the link above to get stem questions to fit classroom activities or lessons.