This activity can be found in Pretty et al, (1995) - University of ...

HO 07 FS5.1Types of QuestionsOpen-ended QuestionsAn open-ended question is one that cannot be answered with a single word or phrase such as‘yes’ or ‘no’. They can be quite powerful because they stimulate thinking, encourage greaterdiscussion, and discourage participants from taking definitive positions on issues not yetthoroughly discussed. They typically begin with words such as ‘how’, ‘what’ or ‘why’.Examples: What happens if we don’t solve the problem?How do the rest of you feel about this?Greater Response QuestionsIn order to gain understanding and add depth to participants’ involvement, facilitators need toknow how to draw out greater information, using words such as ‘describe’, ‘explain’ and‘tell’.Example: Can you describe the process in more detail?Challenging QuestionsUsed to challenge certain types of statement. These are statements that are all-embracing,allow for no exceptions, and often include words such as ‘never’, ‘always’, ‘everyone’, ‘all’. It isimportant to challenge such statements since the discussion and learning processes can bestopped by them.Example: Statement - I have never had any problems with clients.Question – Never?Challenging questions are also used with other generalised statements that set limitations onourselves or others, often involving words like ‘must’, ‘should’ or ‘can’t’.Examples: Statement – I must complete the work by the end of the month.Question – What would happen if you didn’t?Statement – I can’t make presentations.Question – What is stopping you?Redirection QuestionsA participant will often ask questions of the facilitator as a follow-up to a remark made by themor by another participant. If the question is related to ‘content’ the facilitator may wish to re-directit to other participants.Example: How would the rest of you respond to that question?Feedback and Clarification QuestionsAt certain times in meetings/workshops, the facilitator needs to bring closure or clarification to atopic being discussed; it is also important that all participants understand the issue.Examples: Where are we; will someone summarise our position?Let’s see if I heard you right; you are saying……?Closed QuestionsThe closed question is often asked too frequently by inexperienced facilitators. These questionstypically result in a ‘yes’, ‘no’ or short response from participants and provide littleinvolvement. Use infrequently and for clarification since they add little to the discussion process.Example: Has this issue been explained clearly?87 Jamaica All Age Schools Project: Facilitator Training for School Based Resource Teachers