Questioning That Checks Understanding

What the course covers

Effective teaching relies on continuous, accurate checks for understanding to ensure that learning is securely embedded in long-term memory. Drawing on cognitive science and principles from leading educational frameworks, this course explores how teachers can design and execute high-impact questioning strategies during lessons.

Learners will examine the limitations of traditional practices—such as asking "Does everyone understand?" or taking hands up from the same few volunteers—and explore powerful alternatives. The module covers how to use targeted questioning, cold calling, hinge questions, and structured think-pair-share routines to force active participation and reveal hidden misconceptions across the whole class.

By completing this course, educators will be equipped to adjust their pace of instruction dynamically, provide precise feedback, and ensure that every pupil in the classroom is intellectually engaged and meeting learning objectives.

What your team takes away

• Understand the cognitive science behind retrieval, checking for understanding, and formative assessment.
• Implement inclusive questioning strategies, including cold calling and structured wait time.
• Design effective hinge questions and diagnostic multiple-choice queries to expose misconceptions.
• Adapt lesson pacing and live teaching delivery based on real-time pupil responses.

How it runs

The course opens in a browser on a phone, a tablet or a desktop, with nothing to install. Progress is saved as it goes, so someone can stop and pick it back up. The assessment sits at the end, and passing it issues a certificate with its own reference number that an inspector or an auditor can check.

Who it is for

Teachers, teaching assistants, heads of department, and pastoral tutors in independent schools.

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