Question Filter

How do I use it?

• Before using this strategy, introduce its purpose to the students and model appropriate behaviours such as taking turns and listening respectfully and intentionally to others.
• Create a set of images related to the concept of your choice. There needs to be enough images for one per student. You will also need a roll of tape.
• Tape one image to the back of each student. Ensure that students do not see the images that are affixed to their backs and do not tell anyone about the images they can see.

• Have students form pair groups.
• To begin, one student in each pair (student B) looks at the image on his/her partner’s back (student A). Then student A asks student B a question about the object. The question must be of a type that can only elicit a “yes” or “no” response.
• The process is then repeated by student A, who looks at the image on student B’s back as student B asks a question of Student A.
• The process is repeated until both students have successfully identified the objects on their own backs.
• Encourage students to be truthful and accurate in their answers as this is a cooperative rather than a competitive strategy.

Variations

• Students could draw images of the objects, rather than using photographs or clipart of the objects.
• Students could circulate around the room and ask each question of a different student.
• Have students use two sets of the images to create a tabletop game along the lines of “Guess Who.”
• Students could record the questions and answers on paper as they go along. Afterwards, this could be made into dichotomous tree diagram.
• Put numbers instead of images on students’ backs, then have them ask “What’s my number?” Students could ask questions to determine parameters for their number (e.g., “Am I bigger than 10?” “Am I smaller than 30?”).

Related Skills

• Questioning
• Sorting & Classifying
• Using Appropriate Vocabulary