Questioning Strategies Observation Tool

"How do I know if I helped my students to think today?"

A way to identify teaching for thinking in the classroom is to invite a peer to observe for the following teaching behaviors or listen to a recording of one of your lessons.  Tally each behavior and note specific examples including the language you use.

Teacher Behavior Tally Examples:  Language Used
Wait Time:
Thinking Time - 3 or more seconds
   
Delving:
Rephrasing - Giving hints or clues
   
Response Opportunities:
Opportunities for all students to verbalize their thinking.
   
Higher Level Questioning:
Questions that ask students to apply, analyze, synthesize or evaluate.
   
Clarifying and Probing:
Asking students to explain or qualify their responses.
   
Evidence Seeking:
Requesting specific and direct support.
   
Paraphrasing:
Reflecting back student responses.
   

Share your examples with your colleagues.  These examples are evidence that you are helping your students to think!