An open-ended question is a type of question that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no; it requires deeper thought and a more elaborate response. Unlike closed questions, which limit responses, open-ended questions open the door to various possibilities and encourage complex answers.
Open-ended questions Vs. Closed Questions:
When comparing open-ended and closed questions in teaching, open-ended questions prompt students to provide detailed and extensive answers. For instance, asking a closed question such as “Did you enjoy the trip?” might elicit a brief yes or no response. On the other hand, an open-ended question like “What did you enjoy about the trip?” encourages students to construct more elaborate replies, allowing them to express their thoughts in greater detail. This approach enables students to practice English more effectively and enhances their communication skills.
In the classroom, it’s essential to be aware of the balance between closed and open-ended questions, especially for students who may find open-ended questions challenging. To encourage them to engage in the conversation, start with closed questions to stimulate basic responses. Once the students become more comfortable with the topic, introduce open-ended questions to give them the opportunity to express themselves freely.
For example:
- T: Where did you go on this holiday
- S: New York city .
- T: Nice. Did you visit the Statue of Liberty?
- S: Yes.
- T: Any other favorite place you visited?
- S: We visited Ellis Island.
- T: What did you do there?
- S: We saw shows and visited museums.
- T: Which shows did you watch?
- S: “Hamilton” and “The Lion King.”
- T: Sounds fun.
Open-ended questions play a crucial role in concept checking, ensuring that students truly understand the material. Closed questions like “Did you understand the text?” or “Did you find it interesting?” may result in vague yes or no answers, making it difficult to assess comprehension. In contrast, open-ended questions allow students to elaborate on their understanding, providing teachers with valuable insights into their grasp of the topic. As an effective teaching strategy, alternating between open-ended and closed questions enhances classroom engagement and facilitates meaningful learning experiences.
Reference : icalTEFL
