At the beginning of this piece of writing the main point that the writer is trying to convey is that questions are vital while holding a conversation, as without these “vital” questions there wouldn’t be a conversation to be had due to a subject not being brought up to discuss. “To continue with the above analogy, in the absence of questioning DNA, the communication organism often becomes unstable and eventually dies”.
As we read further we are informed of just how “Crucial” questioning is in regards to early years. Thus emphasising that throughout early years, children have not yet being able to develop the skill of communicating without the use of questioning people and due to this, in order for the child to make sense of their surrounding and what they are being taught, then the children’s questions need to be answered. “At this stage, questions play a crucial role in their learning ….. in order for them to make sense of their surroundings”.
Overall, this chapter deepens our understanding of questioning as everyone knows that there are various ways of asking questions, however it is the way in which the question’s are being asked to others and the way it is communicated that is the important part.
In my own opinion, I agree with the information given within this chapter as referring back to my own experiences of teaching and observing, today’s society – questions are seen as a conversation as without asking questions there is no conversation topic due to not knowing what to discuss due to not asking questions. In regards to children and early years as you teach and encourage children to develop their skills and qualities you continuously ask the children questions whether it is in relation to what is being taught or whether it is getting to know the child more, the child will not answer and you yourself will not know what to say without asking the question first to make sure that the children understand what is expected of them and if they are being given the right help and support for them.
Referencing
‘Finding out about others: the skill of questioning’, in Hargie, O. (2011) Skilled Interpersonal Communication: Research, Theory and Practice. 5th ed. London: Routledge.
