20 juicy questions to ask students (#5 will REALLY get them talking!)

Student engagement

Student engagement | Wednesday, October 21, 2020

20 juicy questions to ask students (#5 will REALLY get them talking!)

A great question can make or break a learning activity. Here are some ideas for asking juicy questions.


A great question is a springboard into a fascinating discussion. Phrase it the right way and students will start thinking. Then they'll start talking. Then you won't be able to get them to stop!

Great questions can make the difference between a good learning activity and a great one.

It can also make the difference between classroom technology that's just so-so and game-changing tech use.

Want to get students talking? In this post, you'll see some really juicy questions shared by educators on Twitter that they use with their students.

Here are some ideas for creating juicy questions of your own:

  • Student interests: Is there an app they're excited about? A song? A YouTuber? Can you phrase the question through that?
  • Audio, images, and video: Is there an audio clip you can play for students? A provocative image? A short video that will spark discussion?
  • Would you rather: Can students choose between two options -- especially if it's a difficult decision?
  • Summarize: Can they boil down an idea into one sentence? One word?
  • Lists: Can students formulate a list (top 3, top 5, top 10) based on certain criteria? Can they justify what made the list -- and what didn't?
  • Fantasize: What could the world look like? What could class look like? What could the material you're studying look like?
  • Life's mysteries: What's a question that doesn't have a clear answer that could be argued either way?

1. What magical creature would make the world a better place if it existed?

2. How could you sum up this lesson in a TikTok?

3. Is water wet?

4. If you had to give up one of your five senses, which one and why?

5. Should students be able to pick their teacher?

6. Is a hotdog a sandwich?

7. Are you doing what it takes to get what you want in life? Why or why not?

8. Who REALLY is the strongest avenger?

9. What is your favorite___and why?

10. The Zombie apocalypse has started... your two best friends are being chased. Who do you save?

11. Would you rather fly or be invisible?

12. Whose voice is missing from this (book, article, video, story, image...)?

13. What is your favorite smell?

14. How does something get to be "trending"?

15. What would you ask (character in a book)?

16. What type of candy is better? Sweet or salty?

17. If you could go on a road trip with anyone in history, who would it be?

18. How could you use (Instagram, Twitter, Google Slides, paint, Play-doh, Lego, Among Us...) to show your learning?

19. Which is better... Minecraft or Roblox?

20. Can you explain a boring fact about yourself in an interesting way?


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  • Lisa Bridge says:

    So many options & choices…I liked the virtual Field Trip Journal so students can explore online (safe from COVID) & find a relevant site about pollution to connect with Ch 15.

  • rashmi says:

    These are so child centric juicy questions..kids love them..this actually builds studnent and teacher relationship as well.

  • Jack Milgram says:

    I love these questions except that one with “your favorite whatever”. It never works with my students. I prefer not to ask any questions about personal life. Not all students love speaking freely about themselves.

  • Catherine Green says:

    I like to talk to students about different topics. When you give a class remotely it’s incredibly important to make students engaged. Interesting questions. I’d probably be most interested in their answers to question 17. Thank you!

  • Irene says:

    Fantastic questions, provoking. Thank you. It is really helpful.

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