Creating effective ICQs (Instruction Checking Questions) and CCQs (Concept Checking Questions) are vital skills for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers.
These questions are used to ensure that students understand the instructions and the concepts being taught.
This guide aims to take you through the process of crafting effective ICQs and CCQs, that will make your lessons more engaging and effective.
ICQs are questions you ask your students within TEFL, TESOL and ESL to make sure they have understood the instructions for a task or activity. They are crucial for ensuring that all students can follow along with the class, and participate in an effective and fulfilling way.
CCQs are used to ascertain if students have understood a new language item, concept, or rule. They help in confirming comprehension without resorting to translation, focusing on eliciting evidence of understanding directly from the students.
Use language that is simpler than the language used in your instructions. The goal is to check understanding, not to introduce more complexity.
Tailor your ICQs to the specific points of the instructions that might cause confusion. Avoid generic questions like "Do you understand?".
When appropriate, offer choices in your ICQs. This can make it easier for students to understand the question and provide a clear answer.
If the instruction was to listen to a dialogue and then discuss it with a partner, an effective ICQ might be, "Are we writing anything during the listening?" (No) "Who will you discuss your ideas with after listening?" (A partner).
Ensure your CCQs are directly related to the learning objective of the lesson. They should test the concept or language point being taught.
Like with ICQs, the language used in CCQs should be clear and simpler than the language of the concept being checked.
Aim for open-ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer, prompting students to demonstrate their understanding.
For teaching the past simple tense, if the sentence is "I went to the beach yesterday," a CCQ could be, "Did I go to the beach today or before today?" (Before today) "Am I still at the beach?" (No).
While spontaneity is sometimes necessary, having a set of planned ICQs and CCQs can help ensure coverage of all potential areas of confusion.
Their responses will guide you. If several students are confused, it might be time to reteach the concept or instructions.
Use the answers to ICQs and CCQs not just to confirm understanding but also to provide immediate feedback and clarification.
Mastering the art of asking ICQs and CCQs can significantly enhance your TEFL teaching effectiveness. By ensuring your students understand both what they are doing and why they are doing it, you foster a more inclusive, engaging, and effective learning environment.
Practice crafting these questions as part of your lesson planning process, and observe the positive impact on student comprehension and participation.