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The art of questioneering

Many teachers don't know how to ask good questions. They ask questions that are too easy: "According to John 3.16, who died on the cross for your sins?" and they wonder why no one responds…..People like to answer questions that are on the edge. They like to answer questions that are on the edge of their knowledge. They like to answer questions that they think they are the only one who has the answer to….People like to answer (and hear answers about) questions that are on the edge of personal self-disclosure. Not too much or we get uncomfortable. But personal enough that it is real. Good questions get us to that edge…..People like to answer questions that connect to real life. Not theoretical stuff; real life. They like to talk about stuff that matters–stuff that matters to them in their world.
JOSH HUNT

Recently read Josh Hunt's book 'Good Questions Have Small Groups Talking' where that quote is taken from. It is one of the best books I have read on how to formulate questions. I wish I had read this book like five years ago. The point he makes about asking questions which are on the border of knowledge is very true. Incidentally the gems he offers are application to any discussion group in any area of life.

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