Let students participate in formulating, reformulating and deciding upon questions for a discussion or dialog. 1. Let the students think individually for a little while. 2. Perhaps let them talk in pairs afterwards, but this step is not necessary. 3. Let the students read their suggestions out loud (or collect them using small paper notes, or similar). The teacher, or a denoted student, writes the suggestions down. 4. Have a joint dialog about clarification and meaning of each suggestion – do we understand them the same? 5. Let all students vote. This might be done in several different ways (e.g. one vote each, vote yes/no on each suggestion, etc.)
Letting the students be part of formulating questions has several benefits. It helps the teacher see their current level of knowledge and understanding. It increases student engagement, activity and participation. It helps creating a larger sense of belonging. It builds respect, mutual understanding och community. These things promote social and mental well-being.
See Gardelli et al. (2023). “You Talk and Try to Think, Together”. Childhood & Philosophy, 19, 01–28. https://doi.org/10.12957/childphilo.2023.70493 for more information.