Discussion Questions that Make Us Think

If a question has a factual answer, it will squash discussion. Once answered, there is nothing left to add. What kinds of questions DO WORK?

• Give a case, scenario, point-of-view, or problem and ask for reflection, interpretation, analysis, or solution options. Require rationale, logic, or evidence for response.
• Ask for examples of a concept from personal experience. This allows students to build a repertoire of examples, like "Have you ever been or do you know someone who has been the object of hate speech? If so, what happened? If not, what example do you know from the news? What could decrease the use of hate speech? Why do you think what you have proposed would work?"
• Ask an "if you were..." question. For example, "If you were in charge of helping out the homeless in Fort Wayne, what would you do? What resources, agencies, or people would you call upon? What do you think would be the strengths and weaknesses of your approach?"
• Ask for students to explain connections between concepts previously studied and the present course material. Ask for logical explanations and for an answer to the "so what?" question.
• Provide a video that shows a controversy. Ask students to take a position and give reasons and evidence to support the position. 

For more ideas, visit "Sample Discussion Board Questions that Work" and "Online Discussion Questions that Work."