Using Effective Questions To Guide A Tutoring Session

Description  Overview Effective questions are a key building block to learning in a tutoring session. By using questions, the tutor can create an environment that is engaging, collaborative, and productive; basing a tutoring session around questions creates the opportunity for conversation rather than a lecture from the tutor. Questions can be used in various ways, including getting to know the tutee, determining their learning challenges, and developing new understanding. But asking effective questions doesn’t come naturally. It often takes some training and practice to ensure that a new tutor is confident in their question-asking skills. Several approaches to developing and asking questions can help novice tutors in their tutoring sessions. Tutors can focus on questions that encourage discussion and communication, rather than only questions with yes or no answers. Further, understanding Bloom’s taxonomy can allow tutors to ask questions that encourage critical thinking on