How can we encourage learners to ask better questions?

A prudent question is one half of wisdom.
– Francis Bacon (philosopher) 1561–1626

Invariably, when I invite my students to ask me questions to get to know me (better), especially on the first day of class to create the right atmosphere and to establish a conducive teaching-learning environment, a familiar pattern of questions emerges. I also realised that this happens regardless of whether the questions come spontaneously from individuals around the classroom in an open-floor format or in written form (anonymously) on paper in small, structured groupwork after a process of interaction.
Common questions asked of . . .

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Richard Gabbrielli
Richard Gabbrielli
Richard is a professor in the Department of International Tourism and Business at Yasuda Women’s University in Hiroshima, Japan. He teaches business English, communication studies and intercultural communication. He is particularly interested in semiotics and communication theory applied to ELT.