What type of questions encourage higher-order thinking?

Open-ended questions that require analysis, evaluation, or synthesis are effective in promoting higher-order thinking because they encourage students to go beyond basic recall of information. These types of questions necessitate that learners engage with the material more deeply, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

When students are asked to analyze, they must break down information into its components. Evaluation requires them to make judgments based on criteria, while synthesis involves combining different ideas to create new understanding or solutions. This not only deepens comprehension but also helps students develop the skills necessary to apply their knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios.

In contrast, yes/no questions, multiple choice questions, and true/false questions typically focus on lower levels of cognitive skill, such as recall and recognition. They often do not require students to elaborate on their understanding or apply their reasoning, which limits the depth of engagement and learning.