Word Questioning
What is it and what does the research say?
Word Questioning is a tool that teachers and parents can use that promote a student’s or child’s understanding of vocabulary and concepts by having them dig down and discover the meaning through previously understood concepts.
“We found that struggling and proficient readers used morphological problem-solving strategies in a variety of ways that showed sophisticated metalinguistic awareness. Struggling readers used morphological problem-solving strategies in 61.2% of word-solving events, and proficient readers used morphological problem-solving strategies in 67.9% of word-solving events” (Pacheco, & Goodwin, 2013). “It is reasonable to conclude, however, that teachers and parents should be encouraged to enhance children’s vocabulary acquisition by asking questions that actively engage children’s attention to novel vocabulary during storybook sharing sessions” (Walsh, & Blewitt, 2006). |
Examples of Word Questioning and Possible Uses
By utilizing question words, students probe for an understandable meaning by making connections to previously understood content. Posters like the one shown above can be provided for students to refer to, or activities like the ones below can be used.
A spin a question activity can be used to help students develop a working vocabulary. They can request information based on previously understood concepts to better grasp new understanding. An example might be the concept of "sprint." A student might as When would you sprint? Or who might sprint? By gaining answers to these questions, they can make connections and develop their vocabulary.
A spin a question activity can be used to help students develop a working vocabulary. They can request information based on previously understood concepts to better grasp new understanding. An example might be the concept of "sprint." A student might as When would you sprint? Or who might sprint? By gaining answers to these questions, they can make connections and develop their vocabulary.
Video Examples of Word Questioning
The video on the left is an activity lesson where the band called "The ABC's" sings about question words and how they could be used. Sentences are written out no screen and spoken clearly and slowly. This application may be more geared towards ESL students, but does a good job showing the use of question words.
|
https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/questioning-in-the-classroom
An example of a teacher using questioning in her classroom. |
Online Resources for Word Questioning
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/free-printable/reading-printables/word-questioning-vocabulary
Worksheets available for teachers to help students break down a word.
https://teacher.ocps.net/lisa.simonitis/templates/page18.html
Example of a Word Questioning diagram
http://www.cobbk12.org/pope/Teacher%20Toolbox/Vocabulary%20Strategies/HS%20voc%20strategies.doc
Word file containing three different forms of questioning as they pertain to learning vocabulary
http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=42642
Example of a word web that outlines how to question vocabulary
http://busyteacher.org/7131-wh-question-words-worksheet.html
A question words worksheet geared towards elementary school students.
Worksheets available for teachers to help students break down a word.
https://teacher.ocps.net/lisa.simonitis/templates/page18.html
Example of a Word Questioning diagram
http://www.cobbk12.org/pope/Teacher%20Toolbox/Vocabulary%20Strategies/HS%20voc%20strategies.doc
Word file containing three different forms of questioning as they pertain to learning vocabulary
http://printables.scholastic.com/printables/detail/?id=42642
Example of a word web that outlines how to question vocabulary
http://busyteacher.org/7131-wh-question-words-worksheet.html
A question words worksheet geared towards elementary school students.
References
Pacheco, M. B., & Goodwin, A. P. (2013). Putting Two and Two Together: Middle School Students' Morphological Problem-Solving Strategies For Unknown Words. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 56(7), 541-553. doi:10.1002/JAAL.181
Walsh, B. A., & Blewitt, P. (2006). The Effect of Questioning Style During Storybook Reading on Novel Vocabulary Acquisition of Preschoolers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 33(4), 273-278. doi:10.1007/s10643-005-0052-0
Walsh, B. A., & Blewitt, P. (2006). The Effect of Questioning Style During Storybook Reading on Novel Vocabulary Acquisition of Preschoolers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 33(4), 273-278. doi:10.1007/s10643-005-0052-0