20 Questions

Questions for Students to Ask Teachers

Strategic questions that help students engage with teachers, understand course material, and build positive relationships that enhance learning and academic success.

1

What is the best way to prepare for this class, and what should I focus on to succeed?

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Why this works

Shows your commitment to success and helps you understand the teacher's expectations and how to best prepare for the course.

2

How do you prefer students to ask questions, and what's the best way to get help when I'm struggling?

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Why this works

Clarifies communication preferences and helps you understand how to effectively seek help and support when you need it.

3

What are the most important concepts in this course, and how do they connect to real-world applications?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in understanding the material and helps you focus on the most important concepts and their practical relevance.

4

How do you approach different learning styles, and what support do you provide for students who learn differently?

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Why this works

Shows your awareness of learning differences and helps you understand how the teacher accommodates different learning needs.

5

What are your expectations for participation, and how can I contribute meaningfully to class discussions?

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Why this works

Clarifies participation expectations and helps you understand how to engage effectively in class discussions and activities.

6

How do you handle different student needs, and what support do you provide for students who are struggling?

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Why this works

Reveals their approach to student support and helps you understand what resources are available when you need additional help.

7

What are the most common mistakes students make in this course, and how can I avoid them?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in learning from others' mistakes and helps you understand common pitfalls to avoid in the course.

8

How do you approach feedback and what can I expect in terms of guidance and improvement suggestions?

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Why this works

Clarifies feedback expectations and helps you understand how you'll receive guidance and suggestions for improvement.

9

What are your thoughts on collaboration and group work, and how do you structure these activities?

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Why this works

Explores their approach to collaborative learning and helps you understand how group work is structured and what's expected.

10

How do you handle different student interests, and what opportunities are there for exploring personal interests?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in connecting the course to your personal interests and helps you understand opportunities for exploration.

11

What are the most important skills I'll develop in this course, and how will they help me in the future?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your focus on skill development and helps you understand the long-term value and benefits of the course.

12

How do you approach different assessment methods, and what can I expect in terms of evaluation?

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Why this works

Clarifies assessment expectations and helps you understand how you'll be evaluated and what methods are used.

13

What are your thoughts on technology use in the classroom, and how do you incorporate it into learning?

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Why this works

Explores their approach to technology integration and helps you understand how technology is used to enhance learning.

14

How do you handle different student backgrounds, and what support do you provide for diverse learners?

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Why this works

Shows your awareness of diversity and helps you understand how the teacher supports students from different backgrounds.

15

What are the most important resources for this course, and how can I access them effectively?

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Why this works

Clarifies resource expectations and helps you understand what materials and resources are available for the course.

16

How do you approach different student goals, and what support do you provide for achieving them?

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Why this works

Explores their approach to goal support and helps you understand how they help students achieve their academic and personal goals.

17

What are your thoughts on student motivation, and how do you encourage engagement and interest?

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Why this works

Shows your interest in staying motivated and helps you understand how the teacher encourages engagement and maintains interest.

18

How do you handle different student challenges, and what support do you provide for overcoming obstacles?

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Why this works

Reveals their approach to student challenges and helps you understand what support is available when you face obstacles.

19

What are the most important connections between this course and other subjects, and how do they relate?

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Why this works

Demonstrates your interest in interdisciplinary learning and helps you understand how the course connects to other subjects.

20

What questions do you have for me about my interests, goals, or what I'm hoping to learn in this course?

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Why this works

Shows your engagement and interest in the course while giving you insight into what the teacher values in students.

How to Build Positive Relationships with Teachers

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

Best Practices

Ask About Learning and Success

Focus on questions that help you understand how to succeed in the course and what support is available for your learning.

Show Interest in the Material

Ask questions that demonstrate your interest in the course material and your desire to understand the concepts deeply.

Understand Expectations

Ask questions that help you understand the teacher's expectations and how to meet them effectively.

Question Sequences

The Success Preparation Sequence

1
What is the best way to prepare for this class?
2
What are the most important concepts in this course?
3
What are the most common mistakes students make?

The Support and Help Sequence

1
How do you prefer students to ask questions?
2
How do you handle different student needs?
3
What support do you provide for students who are struggling?

Common Pitfalls

Don't Ask Questions You Can Find in the Syllabus

Focus on questions that require personal insight and can't be easily answered by looking at course materials.

Don't Sound Desperate

Show enthusiasm without appearing desperate. Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in learning.

Don't Ignore the Teacher's Perspective

Ask questions that show you value the teacher's expertise and are interested in their approach to teaching and learning.

Conversation Templates

The Success Preparation Framework

1
Step 1: Start with: "What is the best way to prepare for this class?"
2
Step 2: Follow with: "What are the most important concepts in this course?"
3
Step 3: Conclude with: "What are the most common mistakes students make?"

The Support Understanding Framework

1
Step 1: Begin with: "How do you prefer students to ask questions?"
2
Step 2: Explore with: "How do you handle different student needs?"
3
Step 3: End with: "What support do you provide for students who are struggling?"

Further Reading

"The Student-Teacher Relationship Guide" by Sarah Myers
"How to Succeed in School" by Jennifer Smith
"The Complete Guide to Academic Success" by Michael Johnson

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