Part one:
One of the interesting features of a question is that it automatically causes us to start seeking. The very word itself “question” is a directive stating an act or instance of search, seeking, or inquiring. Technically it could be considered a double directive. The meaning of the suffix ‘ion’ is action or process and the root word ‘quest’ is defined as an act or instance of seeking or inquiring. So there is no way around the fact that a question causes us to act, opening a search for discovering an answer.
When we are posed with a question our mind automatically changes gear. Your mind will immediately refocus and begin researching your knowledge base for related information. Example: What are your plans for Tuesday? Your mind automatically shifted into thinking of the things you know you will be engaged in this coming week. For most people it would have begun on a wider scale and began narrowing down to Tuesday. The mind is so superbly designed that this task would’ve been completed in a matter of seconds.
The use of proper questions will engage our God-given natural learning ability of Discovery. In my opinion, there is no greater avenue of learning than discovery. Think of Peter walking on water. No doubt this was one of his greatest learning experiences in all of his life. Jesus used discovery learning often. Discovery learning embeds the truth of the experience quicker and deeper than any other method or means of attempted learning.
Questions raise the curiosity factor in us. The curiosity behind a question allows the listener to explore and discover. Properly designed questions open the mind to explore the depths of belief and knowledge. Example: What has been the greatest benefit to your spiritual walk? (Opposed to: Have you grown in your spirituality?) Properly worded questions cause every person in the room to delve into his/her personal belief and knowledge base for an answer. It is the exploration that creates discovery learning.
The curiosity behind questions enables exploration, reflection, detection, unearthing, and resourcing all that we know and believe, even to our core values.
Proper questioning does not involve interrogation.
Questions should be asked not so much from the point of “an expert” but for the benefit of discovery on behalf of the learner. Design your questions not from the point of an expert. Instead, form your questions out of curiosity; curiosity for the assistance of the listener’s discovery of truth and application in his/her life.
Questions formed from a curiosity perspective assist the listener to tap into deeper sources of information. Questions formed otherwise can cause the listener to seek only surface information. Example: (surface) “Who is the son of God?” (better) “What does the term Son of God mean to you?” The first question is a closed ended question requiring only surface or static knowledge. The second question however, causes everyone to search his/her knowledge and belief system for an answer. The first question shuts down the learning capacities as soon as one person answers. The second one challenges each person to explore and reflect on his/her belief system.
For more information about effectively using questions contact George Yates at SonC.A.R.E. Ministries, purchase a copy of Teaching That Bears Fruit, and follow this blog for more related posts.