Understanding & Questioning in Mathematics

Understanding & Questioning in Mathematics

During the learning segment assignment (and other class activities and assignments), we created multiple types of questions. The three main types of questions are:

  • Gathering and Probing Questions (Assessing Questions) 
Gathering and probing questions are asked to help struggling students. These questions prompt students to dig deeper and think in more depth when working on problems. 
  • Making Math Visible Questions (Advancing Questions)
Making math visible questions are asked to gauge students' conceptual understanding. 
  • Questions that encourage reflection and justification 
These questions encourage students to think about what they did to solve a problem and why they took those steps.


These question types will be asked in different situations. Asking questions in mathematics is extremely important. Questioning is a tool that teachers can use to determine what their students know. Teachers also use questions to get their students to think more. Questions are not always asked to get an answer. Questions are asked to get students to think about mathematical concepts. When students begin discussing what they are doing and why they are doing it they will begin to make connections and find ways to remember the concepts. This is why we value asking questions over answers. 

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