Teaching Strategies

Ask and Answer

This can be done as a pair or group activity. One student is the 'expert' – either because she/he has prior knowledge/experience of the topic or because background information has been accessed before the task. A list of statements is given to the other student(s). These statements need to be formed into questions to ask the expert. Answers are written down on the sheet.

The benefits of Ask and Answer

• Enables teachers to capitalise on students' own funds of knowledge when introducing a new topic.
• Gives valuable practice in forming good questions.
• After the task, students can use the information in a follow-up writing activity.