Question Formulation
At a Glance
- Time: 3-4 minutes
- Prep: None
- Group: Individual or pairs
- Setting: Any
- Subjects: Universal
- Energy: Medium
Purpose
Develop metacognitive awareness and assess depth of understanding by having students generate three levels of questions (remember, understand, analyze) about the topic, revealing what they see as simple versus complex.
How It Works
- Explain levels (1 min) - "Level 1: Recall facts. Level 2: Explain concepts. Level 3: Analyze/evaluate"
- Generate questions (2 min) - Students write one question at each level
- Share and categorize (1 min) - Share examples; discuss what makes questions different levels
What to Say
Opening: "Create three questions about photosynthesis. Level 1 asks for facts: 'What is chlorophyll?' Level 2 asks for understanding: 'Why is chlorophyll green?' Level 3 asks for analysis: 'How would photosynthesis change if chlorophyll absorbed red light instead?' One question per level—go!"
During: "Level 1: What facts matter?... Level 2: What needs explanation?... Level 3: What requires analysis or evaluation?"
Closing: "Your Level 3 question was: 'Why did plants evolve to use chlorophyll instead of other molecules?' That's sophisticated—you're thinking about evolutionary pressures, not just memorizing."
Why It Works
Question generation requires deeper processing than answering questions. Creating questions at different cognitive levels reveals students' understanding of complexity and their metacognitive awareness of what's simple versus challenging.
Research Connection: Student-generated questions improve comprehension and critical thinking (Rosenshine et al., 1996; King, 1992).
Teacher Tip
Post Bloom's Taxonomy visibly. Refer to it as "Level 1 = Remember/Understand, Level 2 = Apply/Analyze, Level 3 = Evaluate/Create." Students internalize the framework.
Variations
Levels: Use Bloom's categories explicitly, or simplified (easy/medium/hard), or DOK levels (1-4) • Format: Written, verbal, posted on board • Ages: K-5: 2 levels (simple/hard); 6-12: 3 levels; College: 4+ levels with justification
Online
Students type questions in shared doc with clear level headers. Class votes on best Level 3 question.
Troubleshooting
All questions same level: "Level 1 has one-word answers. Level 3 requires multiple sentences to answer—that's the difference."
Extension
Students answer each other's Level 3 questions in writing, then compare answers with question author.
Related: Circle the Questions, Misconception Check