How to Encourage Your Child to Ask Questions in Class
Asking questions is a vital part of the learning process. It allows students to clarify their understanding of a concept, and it also encourages them to think critically about what they are being taught. When your child asks questions, it gives the teacher an opportunity to explain the concept in a different way or to provide additional information. Your child can, in turn, develop a better understanding of the subject matter and move on to other topics with confidence. Asking questions is also a sign of curiosity, which is an essential trait for lifelong learning.
Of course, some children are naturally more inclined to raise their hands to ask questions than others. However, all children can benefit from getting clarification on points that they may be unsure about in class. If your child is in primary school, this is the best time to start! There are a few things you can do to help them be more assertive and speak their mind.
1. The best habits start from home
First, have regular discussions at home about what they’re learning in school. This will help your child feel comfortable discussing topics and practise communicating their ideas. For example, you might say, “What did you like best about today?” or “How do you think you did on that test?” Make sure to listen carefully to your child’s answers and respond with genuine interest and respect.
When your child asks questions, take the time to explain things fully and help them explore their curiosity. In fact, beyond school, there are countless activities to provide opportunities for exploration and experiment with different possibilities. By creating an environment where curiosity is valued, you can help your child to develop into a confident lifelong learner.
2. Be their biggest cheerleader
Second, remind your child to speak up when they don’t understand something. It’s important that they realise it’s okay to not know everything and that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. Make sure they understand that there’s no such thing as a dumb question. You can even role-play with your child at home by asking them tricky questions and then having them ask you questions in return.
This will help them see that it’s okay to not know everything and that asking questions is a good way to learn. It could make all the difference in their understanding and enjoyment of their studies.
3. Encourage your child to answer questions
To foster a more independent learner, you can also give your child a nudge to be proactive and answer questions in class. Both asking and answering questions support critical thinking skills development as your child will need to find solutions to problems on their own. This type of participation in class can help your child build confidence and learn to think on his or her feet. When given the opportunity to speak up, your child can better articulate their thoughts verbally and communicate their needs. Asking questions also allows your child to take responsibility for their own learning.
4. Use Superstar Teacher
Finally, online tuition in Singapore can provide a relaxed and supportive environment where your child may feel free to ask whatever questions they have in order to fully understand the learning material. Online learning with Superstar Teacher, for instance, can provide your child with a more customised and individualised learning experience. Via our online learning portal, the Instant Homework Help feature allows your child to ask questions in real-time and get immediate feedback from expert mentors. From primary to secondary school, your child can make full use of our platform to seek clarification in subjects like English, Maths and Science.
By taking the above steps, there will be nothing holding your child back from confidently asking questions in class and ultimately improving their academic performance. For more study tips, check out our blog on how you can help your child revise for PSLE and how to increase your child’s concentration.
