Questions are only the first half of visible student thinking
A strong prompt can still produce weak evidence if only one student answers. During an observation, pair your questions with wait time, writing, partner rehearsal, random or planned participation, and follow-up prompts that require students to respond to one another.
A simple sequence for deeper classroom questioning
- Ask a question that requires more than recall.
- Give every student time to think or write.
- Collect several different responses.
- Ask students to compare, challenge, or build on those ideas.
- Use what you hear to decide the next teaching move.
Frequently asked questions
What are good questions to ask during a teacher observation?
Use questions that ask students to explain reasoning, use evidence, compare ideas, respond to peers, reflect, and apply learning.
How can I make higher-order questions observable?
Pair the question with wait time, an all-student response structure, peer discussion, and a visible product such as writing, annotation, or a model.
Does this question generator call an AI service?
No. It combines a curated question-stem library in your browser. There is no metered AI or external API call.