Abstract:
This is a list of open-ended and close-ended questions meant to help teachers develop better questioning skills.
Open-ended or divergent questions stimulate more language use, acknowledge that there can be many solutions to one problem, affirm children's ideas, and encourage creative thinking. "Open-ended questions open up conversations. When you ask an open-ended question, you don't know what the child"s answer is going to be.
*Close-ended questions usually end conversations.
*Open-ended questions that are too general or unfocused may be difficult for the child to respond to and may also end the conversation.
Closed Question: | Open-ended Question: |
| "What colour is this?" | "You used a lot of blue on your painting. What does it remind you of?" |
| "How many cars did you put on the block?" | "What could those drivers be thinking about?, Where might they be going?" |
| "What's your doll's name?" | "Your baby is so beautiful! Tell me about her." |
| "What shape are you making with your body?" | "How could you show your feeling excited with your body?" |
| "What's the character's name in the story?" | "What might she be thinking?" |