Post date: Oct 31, 2016 5:05:49 PM
Encouraging language from students that are either not interested or not able to express themselves is a large part of a Speech Therapists job. One of the tricks in the SLP's toolbox is to ask open-ended questions. A good open ended question is a question that is specifically designed to encourage a variety of responses while the alternative include questions that elicit "yes" or "no" answers or simple one-word responses. Yet, sometimes an open-ended question can be too open, so specifics still count. Here are some examples...think about your student and try to predict the responses:
Closed: Did you have a good day at school today?
Too Open: How was school today?
Specific Open-ended: I saw that you started a new project in art. What do you think you might do for your project?
Closed: Don't you like broccoli?
Too Open: Why don't you like Broccoli?
Specific Open-ended: I know you don't really like broccoli because [example]. What do you think about when you see/eat broccoli?
Closed: Are you and Ben still friends?
Too Open: What's wrong with Ben?
Specific Open-ended: You always say 'hi' to John but today I saw that you scowled. Tell me about your friendship with John.
As you can see, a good, specific, open-ended question has a leading statement that frames the listener's thinking within a set, structured topic. Then the question looks to reveal the listener's thoughts, opinions, or perspective. Finally the listener's response will likely provide new information to you which leads to follow-up questions. Yes, "tell me about..." is technically not a question but it serves the same purpose.
The ultimate goal of communication is mutual understanding. So, to be successful in asking open-ended questions you need to empathize with your student, frame your topic, and truly wonder about what their responses will be. You can't just "phone-it-in" when it comes to open-ended questioning. You need to truly show interest, provide undivided attention, and be grateful for the information you receive in response. This will create a communication environment that encourages and rewards self-expression and honesty. The more you practice the more you will get in response.
Marin Schools has a great PDF on Open-Ended questions with some strategies. It's available online through this link: http://marinschools.org/ECE/Documents/CLASSOpenendedquestionsEnglish.pdf