Levels of Questions
Discussions are about inquisition, exploration, and working together to question texts, question each other, and question yourself. I'd argue there are Three Levels of Questions. If we frame all of our questions within that framework we will be more effective questioners and discussants.
- Level 1 Questions: Explicit Answers
These questions have explicit answers. Everyone should know the answers to these questions after having read. If someone asks a L1Q, we should be able to put their finger on an answer in the text, there shouldn't be any interpretation, and everyone should pretty much have the same answer. - Level 2 Questions: Implied Answers
These questions have implied answers. It requires you to interpret the text, but answers should still be grounded in the text. Folks may not know the answers right away, but should have ideas. Ultimately these answers may reveal a difference in interpretation and varying viewpoints on an author’s meaning. - Level 3 Questions: Answers Beyond the Text
These questions have answers which go beyond, and sometimes well beyond the text. They can be creative, personal, probing, analytical. They can relate to other concepts discussed in class, to ideas from other classes, to a movie or TV show, to a personal anecdote or memory, etc. They offer space and freedom and encourage intellectual agility. Sometimes they have many answers and no answers at all.