Hargie, O. (2011) Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice.5thed. London: Routledge.
In my opinion the main aim of this chapter was to convey and develop an understanding of questioning and how important questions are in various situations. Also to understand the link between questions and learning and know how different kind of questions can be asked to aid learning.
There are many themes which are discussed frequently through out the text including, The many different types of questions, the importance of questions, education, the effects questions may have on an individual.
A key point mentioned by Hargie is children,although known to constantly ask questions, due to their inquisitive nature, when transferred into a classroom environment tend to ask less questions and are more reluctant to respond. It was stated that teachers ask about two questions a minute whereas their pupils ask only two questions an hour (Dillon, 1982). In the chapter it was noted that children as they grow older are less comfortable asking questions. The reason given was “fear of negative reaction from class mates” (Dillon, 1988). In many ways I would agree with this statement as I can relate to it.
A theory which was argued throughout this chapter is that teachers should ask closed questions as it helps to keep control and pace within a classroom due to their specific nature. I agree that in some cases closed questions are appropriate and nessesary as they help to progress the lesson, but on the other hand I wouldn’t rule out open questions from a classroom as it gives a child the opportunity to expand and express their own thoughts and feelings. It also allows children to learn from each other.
In conclusion I feel this was a beneficial chapter for me to read as it provided me with a deeper understanding to the importance of questions it got me thinking a lot more about questions and the impacts they can have on people.
reference list:
Hargie, O. (2011) Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice.5thed. London: Routledge.
