20 Questions

Fun Questions to Ask a Teacher

Lighthearted and engaging questions to ask teachers to learn about their experiences, teaching philosophy, and create fun conversations about education.

1

What's the funniest thing a student has ever said to you?

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Why this works

Creates a light, enjoyable conversation and reveals the humorous side of teaching that many people don't see.

2

What's your favorite subject to teach and why?

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Why this works

Shows their passion for specific topics and helps you understand what they find most engaging about their work.

3

What's the most creative project or assignment you've ever given?

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Why this works

Reveals their innovative teaching methods and helps you understand how they engage students in learning.

4

What's your favorite way to motivate students who are struggling?

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Why this works

Shows their teaching philosophy and helps you understand how they support students who need extra help.

5

What's the most surprising thing you've learned from your students?

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Why this works

Reveals their openness to learning from their students and helps you understand the reciprocal nature of teaching.

6

What's your favorite teaching moment or breakthrough?

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Why this works

Shows what they find most rewarding about teaching and helps you understand what makes their work meaningful.

7

What's the most creative way you've seen a student solve a problem?

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Why this works

Reveals their appreciation for student creativity and helps you understand how they value different approaches to learning.

8

What's your favorite way to make learning fun and engaging?

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Why this works

Shows their approach to making education enjoyable and helps you understand their teaching methods.

9

What's the most interesting question a student has ever asked you?

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Why this works

Reveals their appreciation for student curiosity and helps you understand how they handle unexpected questions.

10

What's your favorite way to celebrate student achievements?

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Why this works

Shows their approach to recognizing success and helps you understand how they motivate and encourage students.

11

What's the most creative excuse you've ever heard from a student?

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Why this works

Creates a humorous conversation and reveals the lighter side of dealing with student excuses and explanations.

12

What's your favorite way to start a new school year or semester?

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Why this works

Shows their approach to beginning new terms and helps you understand how they set the tone for learning.

13

What's the most heartwarming moment you've experienced as a teacher?

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Why this works

Reveals the emotional rewards of teaching and helps you understand what makes their work meaningful.

14

What's your favorite way to handle a classroom full of energetic students?

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Why this works

Shows their classroom management skills and helps you understand how they handle challenging situations.

15

What's the most creative way you've seen a student help a classmate?

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Why this works

Reveals their appreciation for student collaboration and helps you understand how they value peer support.

16

What's your favorite way to incorporate technology into your teaching?

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Why this works

Shows their approach to modern education and helps you understand how they adapt to new teaching tools.

17

What's the most interesting field trip or educational experience you've organized?

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Why this works

Reveals their creativity in planning educational activities and helps you understand how they extend learning beyond the classroom.

18

What's your favorite way to end a school year or semester?

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Why this works

Shows their approach to concluding terms and helps you understand how they celebrate learning and growth.

19

What's the most creative way you've seen a student express their learning?

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Why this works

Reveals their appreciation for diverse learning styles and helps you understand how they value different forms of expression.

20

What's your favorite way to build relationships with your students?

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Why this works

Shows their approach to connecting with students and helps you understand how they create supportive learning environments.

Connecting with Teachers

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

Effective Teacher Conversations

Show Appreciation for Their Work

Acknowledge the important role teachers play in education and show genuine interest in their experiences and insights.

Ask About Their Passion

Focus on what they love about teaching and what makes their work meaningful and rewarding.

Listen to Their Stories

Teachers have many interesting experiences to share. Listen actively and ask follow-up questions to show engagement.

Key Areas to Explore

Funny and memorable moments
Teaching philosophy and methods
Student creativity and achievements
Classroom management and engagement
Educational technology and innovation
Field trips and experiences
Student relationships and support
Celebrations and recognition
Learning styles and expression
Professional growth and development

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make Assumptions About Teaching

Avoid assuming you know what teaching is like. Ask questions and listen to their experiences and perspectives.

Don't Focus Only on Challenges

While teaching can be challenging, focus on the positive aspects and what they find rewarding about their work.

Don't Ignore Their Expertise

Respect their knowledge and experience, and don't dismiss their insights about education and learning.

Conversation Frameworks

The Experience Explorer

1
Step 1: Start with: 'What's the funniest thing a student has ever said?'
2
Step 2: Follow with: 'What's your favorite teaching moment?'
3
Step 3: Deepen with: 'What's the most creative project you've given?'

The Philosophy Seeker

1
Step 1: Begin with: 'What's your favorite way to motivate students?'
2
Step 2: Continue with: 'How do you make learning fun?'
3
Step 3: Explore with: 'What's your approach to building relationships?'

Further Reading

"The First Days of School" by Harry Wong
"Teach Like a Champion" by Doug Lemov
"The Art of Teaching" by Gilbert Highet

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