Quality Questioning: Research-Based Practice to Engage Every Learner, 2nd Edition

Realize the potential of quality questioning for student thinking and learning

Jackie Walsh and Beth Sattes present quality questioning as a process that begins with the preparation of questions to engage all students in thinking and culminates in the facilitation of dialogue that takes learning deeper. This new edition of the bestseller organizes questioning practices around the 6Ps framework, composed of Prepare and Present the Question, Prompt Student Thinking, Process Student Responses, Polish Questioning Practices, and Partner with Students. It extends and expands on timeless principles while adding significant new research-based practices and insights derived from the authors’ own learning with and from classroom teachers. Designed for immediate classroom use, this guide includes:

1. Graphics, tools, and strategies to develop student skills and create a classroom culture that nurtures thinking and learning
2. QR codes that link to more than twenty new videos depicting students and teachers from elementary through high school
3. Tools and strategies to support teacher engagement in personal reflection, classroom observations, and collaborative dialogue that improve personal practice

This exciting new book demonstrates how to seamlessly integrate effective questioning strategies into daily practice, thereby energizing teaching and learning. 

"Questions are the most important tool in a teacher’s toolbox. Walsh and Sattes teach us how to sharpen those tools and use the right ones to maximize learning. They understand that questioning isn’t interrogation, but rather frames dialogic instruction. You can see this come to life in the videos throughout this book! Quality Questioning belongs on every thoughtful educator’s bookshelf."
—Nancy Frey, Professor, Department of Educational Leadership
San Diego State University, CA

"If you’re ready to shift your purpose for questioning from answer-getting to provoking higher-order thinking, this book is a must-read. Never again will you take questioning for granted."
—Connie Hamilton, EdS, Curriculum Director
Saranac (Michigan) Community Schools

"Reading this book is like chatting with an amazing professional friend and mentor. It’s a joy to read, to ponder, and to use as a constant resource.
—Susan Hudson, Educational Consultant and Former Exemplary Educator
Tennessee Department of Education

"A must-read for all teachers who continually strive to improve their practice to better impact student learning."
—Betsy Rogers, EdD, 2003 National Teacher of the Year & Associate Professor and Department Chair, Curriculum and Instruction
Samford University, Birmingham, AL

​About The Author:

Jackie Acree Walsh, Ph.D., and Beth Dankert Sattes are co-developers of Questioning and Understanding to Improve Learning and Thinking (QUILT), a nationally validated professional development program on effective questioning. They are also co-authors of Inside School Improvement (2000) and co-presenters of the Video Journal in Education series Questioning to Stimulate Thinking (1999). These two former classroom teachers have trained hundreds of administrators and teachers across the nation in effective questioning. Their other joint ventures have focused on creating effective professional development for educators, sharing leadership for continuous school improvement, and creating a culture for high-performance learning communities. A recent example of their work is the design and delivery of professional development for School Improvement Specialists—consultants or staff who work to develop the capacity of schools to improve achievement for all students. They have also developed professional development modules on improving school culture (for the Southern Regional Education Board) and leading learning communities (for the Alabama Leadership Academy). Jackie Acree Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University, a master’s degree in teaching (M.A.T.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in education administration and supervision from the University of Alabama. Beth Dankert Sattes holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in early childhood special education from Peabody College. Both Jackie and Beth have served as faculty for the National Staff Development Council’s Academy. They are senior research and development specialists for AEL, a not-for-profit corporation based in Charleston, West Virginia.

Beth Dankert Sattes and Jackie Acree Walsh are co-developers of Questioning and Understanding to Improve Learning and Thinking (QUILT), a nationally validated professional development program on effective questioning. They are also co-authors of Inside School Improvement (2000) and co-presenters of the Video Journal in Education series Questioning to Stimulate Thinking (1999). These two former classroom teachers have trained hundreds of administrators and teachers across the nation in effective questioning. Their other joint ventures have focused on creating effective professional development for educators, sharing leadership for continuous school improvement, and creating a culture for high-performance learning communities. A recent example of their work is the design and delivery of professional development for School Improvement Specialists—consultants or staff who work to develop the capacity of schools to improve achievement for all students. They have also developed professional development modules on improving school culture (for the Southern Regional Education Board) and leading learning communities (for the Alabama Leadership Academy). Beth Dankert Sattes holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Vanderbilt University and a master’s degree in early childhood special education from Peabody College. Jackie Acree Walsh holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Duke University, a master’s degree in teaching (M.A.T.) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in education administration and supervision from the University of Alabama. Both Beth and Jackie have served as faculty for the National Staff Development Council’s Academy. They are senior research and development specialists for AEL, a not-for-profit corporation based in Charleston, West Virginia.