Open Ended Questions

Why are they important?

• Open ended questions allow access to the question by all students.

• Students self differentiate by using numbers they feel comfortable with.

• They demonstrate the level of student understanding.

• They require more than remembering facts.

• Student learning is developed by undertaking thinking activities.

• There is more than one correct solution, and always more than one way to solve the problem.

How do I create “good” questions?

• Work Backwards from the answer to a closed question. I.e Give the answer and ask for the question.

• Modifying a Closed Question by leaving out at least one number. (see below)

How do I use open questions in my classroom?

• Pose the question and ensure all students understand the question. Do not prompt of hint at the solution or appropriate strategies. Make the students think for themselves.

• Allow students time to work on the problem. aAsk them to draw a picture.

• Share student strategies and solutions. Remember the strategies are more important than the solution.

• The teacher pulls all the pieces together into a tidy bundle.

How do I assess student work?

• Use the student responses to inform your teaching. What areas do I need to give students more exposure to? (Not what do I need to tell them.)

• Use a rubric:

  • 0. No understanding evident.

  • 1. Made an attempt but shows limited understanding.

  • 2. Acceptable but incomplete.

  • 3. Demonstrates clear understanding.

  • 4. Goes beyond expectations.

Open Ended Questions

Examples:

1. Traditional Closed Question:

Multiply 7 x 8

Made into a Closed Real problem.

I went to the zoo yesterday and saw 7 cages with 8 birds in each.

How many birds were there in total?

Made into an Open Problem.

I went to the zoo yesterday and saw cages with birds. There were 8 birds in each cage. How many birds might there have been in total? (Extension: Draw a picture showing your answer).

2. Traditional Closed Question:

Divide 2 into 24

Made into a Closed Real problem.

I want to share $24 equally between two people. How much money do they each get? ?

Made into an Open Problem.

I want to share $24 equally among my friends. How much does each person receive?

3. Traditional Closed Question:

Subtract 35 from 64

Made into a Real Problem.

I had 64 eggs and 35 of them hatched. How many have not hatched yet?

Made into an Open Problem.

4. Traditional Closed Question:

What is ½ of 12

Made into a Real Problem.

I have 12 jellybeans and half are red. How many are red??

Made into an Open Problem.