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Harkness Questions

History Department

Pacific Ridge School

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Enrich the Conversation through Inquiry

Ask Clarifying Questions:

  • If you don’t understand a concept or word that is used in the discussion, ask the person or group to clarify.
    1. What is an oligarchy?
    2. You said x. Can you please explain what you meant by that?

Ask Curiosity Questions:

  • If you are curious, ask. What do you want to know more about that is connected to the discussion.
    1. Are there any examples of communism actually living up to its own ideals?
  • If you want to better understand a student’s viewpoint on a subject, ask a question about their lived experiences, values, or what is at the heart of the matter for them.
    • When you think about whether the U.S. should open its borders to Ukrainian refugees, what is at the heart of the matter for you? What lived experiences or values drive your conclusion?

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Enrich the Conversation through Inquiry, continued

Ask Probing Questions

  • A probing question tries to make a connection between the present material and material of a different matter.
    1. When we studied Ancient Mesopotamia, how did the fight for resources lead to war?
  • A probing question challenges other students to reconsider their position and interpretation.
    • Would the result be different if the event happen on a different continent?
    • What would be the consequences of Option A?
    • What would the author of the other article that we read conclude about this topic?
    • Restate (and confirm?) someone’s point when you are challenging (questioning?) it. This is to avoid misinterpretation and give the other person the chance to either clarify or defend their position
  • The question asks students to consider another source, perspective, or consequence of a conclusion.
    • How do Adam Smith’s biases influence his opinion on trade?

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Transitions or Re-Directs Questions

  1. A question that keeps the conversation moving to the next topic, or brings a conversation back to the original question.
    1. We’ve covered exploration, can we move on to expansion?
    2. Let’s check in with our original question. How are we doing? Have we covered all parts of the question?

*Directs questions to entire class / Invites input from all*

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