OER4Schools/Open and closed questions
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| Title | Open and closed questions |
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How do you find out whether your question is open or closed? How do you find out whether your question is surface or deep? Let's first look at some examples:
Closed versus Open questions:
- Closed questions are factual and focus on a correct response. Some
examples are: Name the different parts of a plant? What are the five nutrients that must be present in a balanced diet? How many sides does a triangle have? What is the formula for calculating perimeter of a square? How many planets are there in the solar system? Name two sources of renewable energy.
- Open questions have many answers. Some examples are: What could be
the consequences of water contamination? How does a balanced diet help us? How could we use flowers of plants? Suggest ways to prevent spread of malaria in your community?
Surface versus Deep questions:
- Surface questions elicit one idea or some ideas. For example, What
is the difference between organic and inorganic fertilizers? What is the use if carbohydrates in a balanced diet? Which part of the sugar cane plant is used for eating? Which features of a cactus plant are useful for its survival in desert regions?
- Deep questions elicit relations between ideas and extended ideas.
For example, What would happen if only inorganic fertilizers are used for growing plants? What connections do you see between climate of a region and its vegetation? Why is the water in the nearby pond not safe for drinking?
‘What if’ and ‘Why’... questions can help you delve deeper into pupils’ thinking.
Here are some questions you can use about your questions!
