Questioning Stems

Teaching students to think at a high level is an ever-present challenge facing educators today! Research validates that the depth at which students process information significantly affects retention. Bloom's Taxonomy is applicable to any subject or grade level. The more a student can be involved with learning to think critically, the more likely a student is to experience success in learning. The Critical Thinking Questioning Stems set contains 200 cards that include the definitions, questioning stems, and Power Words for each of the six levels of Bloom's Taxonomy: Knowledge, Application, Comprehension, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation. These cards are excellent for independent, small group, and whole class interactions. 

Available for levels 2-5 or 6-12.

Features:

• Thirty 8.5” x 5.5” questioning prompt cards for each level of Bloom’s
• Questioning stems on the front of the card with examples provided on the back
• Offers suggestions for reading, mathematics, science, and social studies
• Activities for classroom use are also included
• Power words included

• Individual practice
• Small groups
• Whole class participation
• Acquaint students with the six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy focusing on the type of thinking and kinds of questions that occur at each level
• Provide wall space to post critical thinking visuals as a reminder of the value of critical thinking and to help students develop a working vocabulary of the levels and to make associations
• Repeatedly model how to use the stem cards for developing and asking questions by using the examples on the back of the cards to jumpstart thinking
• Use the stem cards to develop questions about a reading selection, current issue, or topic of study
• Integrate activities into instruction on a consistent basis allowing students to work with a partner or in groups to recall, apply, discuss, analyze, and critique information about a current unit of study, an issue, or a topic
• Encourage students to use higher-order questioning prompts to increase comprehension and retention of concepts
• Use the Power Words to design potential activities and products for independent, group, or whole class participation
• Offer ongoing and specific feedback to students to promote the use of critical thinking questions
• Build a bank of critical thinking questions as students develop in their abilities to design additional questions or activities by completing stems