Questions For Thinking

Adams Synchronological Chart or Map of History

by Joshua

Before going to work today, I consulted my copy of the Teacher's Guide for Adams time-line of history. In Appendix A, I discovered a table describing thinking skills that would be helpful for teachers who are looking to promote thinking in their students. The best part of the sheet is a list of questions to get things rolling.

There was also a brief reason why teachers should ask these kinds of questions;

"As teachers , we tend to ask question in the 'knowledge' category 80 to 90 percent of the time. These questions are not bad, but using them all the time is. Try to utilize higher-order level questions. These questions require more 'brain power' and a more extensive and elaborate answer. The chart shows the six question categories as defined by Bloom." Teachers Guide Pg 18

The Chart is more than 20 feet long

Sample Questions:

Knowledge:

• Who, What, Where, When, How ...?
• Describe

Comprehension:

• Retell ____.
• Summarize the main point, in the correct order.
• What was the problem - how was it solved?
• Predict how the story will end.

Application:

• How is ____ an example of ____?
• How is ____ related to ____?
• Why is ____ Significant?

Analysis:

• What are the parts or features of ____?
• Classify ____ according to ____.
• Outline/diagram ____.
• How does ____ compare/contrast with ____?
• What evidence can you list for ____?

Synthesis:

• What would you predict/infer from ____?
• What ideas can you add to ____?
• How would you create/design a new ____?
• What might happen if you combined ____?
• What solutions would you suggest for ____?

Evaluation:

• Do you agree ___?
• What do you think about ___?
• What is the most important ____?
• Place the following in the order of priority ____.
• How would you decide about ____?
• What criteria would you use to assess ____?

Of all these sample question categories, I think comprehension is my favorite. Take for example, the grand narrative of the bible.

How well can we,

A.) Retell the biblical narrative to others who need to know their origins, their sin, need of a savior, and the gospel?

B.) Summarize the main point of the biblical narrative, in the correct order?

C.) Say what was the main problem and how it was solved?


Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh

Reform your life and doctrine, meet with God in the text