Questions to Ask Your English Teacher
Engaging questions that help you connect with your English teacher while learning about their teaching philosophy, literature preferences, and how to improve your writing and critical thinking skills.
1What is your favorite book or author and why do you love them?
Click to see why this works
What is your favorite book or author and why do you love them?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Opens conversation on a personal note and reveals their literary preferences, teaching philosophy, and what kind of literature they find most engaging.
2What advice do you have for improving my writing skills?
Click to see why this works
What advice do you have for improving my writing skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in learning and reveals their approach to writing instruction and what techniques they find most effective for developing writing skills.
3What is your teaching philosophy and how do you approach literature?
Click to see why this works
What is your teaching philosophy and how do you approach literature?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in their teaching approach and reveals their philosophy on literature, critical thinking, and how they approach teaching English.
4What are the most important skills you want students to develop in this class?
Click to see why this works
What are the most important skills you want students to develop in this class?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in learning objectives and reveals what skills and competencies they value most and want students to develop.
5How do you approach teaching critical thinking and analysis?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach teaching critical thinking and analysis?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in critical thinking and reveals their approach to teaching analytical skills and how to develop critical thinking abilities.
6What is your approach to teaching grammar and language mechanics?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching grammar and language mechanics?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in language skills and reveals their approach to teaching grammar, mechanics, and how to develop language proficiency.
7How do you help students develop their voice and style in writing?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students develop their voice and style in writing?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in writing development and reveals their approach to helping students find their unique voice and writing style.
8What is your approach to teaching poetry and creative writing?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching poetry and creative writing?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in creative expression and reveals their approach to teaching poetry, creative writing, and how to develop creative skills.
9How do you approach teaching different literary genres and forms?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach teaching different literary genres and forms?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in literary diversity and reveals their approach to teaching various genres and literary forms.
10What is your approach to teaching research and citation skills?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching research and citation skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in research skills and reveals their approach to teaching research methods, citation, and academic writing.
11How do you help students develop their reading comprehension and analysis skills?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students develop their reading comprehension and analysis skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in reading skills and reveals their approach to teaching reading comprehension and analytical skills.
12What is your approach to teaching public speaking and presentation skills?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching public speaking and presentation skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in communication skills and reveals their approach to teaching public speaking and presentation abilities.
13How do you approach teaching different writing styles and formats?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach teaching different writing styles and formats?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in writing versatility and reveals their approach to teaching various writing styles and formats.
14What is your approach to teaching literary criticism and theory?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching literary criticism and theory?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in literary analysis and reveals their approach to teaching literary criticism and theoretical approaches.
15How do you help students develop their vocabulary and language skills?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students develop their vocabulary and language skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in language development and reveals their approach to teaching vocabulary and language skills.
16What is your approach to teaching different cultural and historical contexts in literature?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching different cultural and historical contexts in literature?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in cultural understanding and reveals their approach to teaching cultural and historical contexts in literature.
17How do you approach teaching different reading strategies and techniques?
Click to see why this works
How do you approach teaching different reading strategies and techniques?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in reading skills and reveals their approach to teaching various reading strategies and techniques.
18What is your approach to teaching different writing purposes and audiences?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching different writing purposes and audiences?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in writing versatility and reveals their approach to teaching different writing purposes and audience considerations.
19How do you help students develop their editing and revision skills?
Click to see why this works
How do you help students develop their editing and revision skills?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Demonstrates interest in writing improvement and reveals their approach to teaching editing and revision skills.
20What is your approach to teaching different literary periods and movements?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to teaching different literary periods and movements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows interest in literary history and reveals their approach to teaching different literary periods and movements.
Best Practices for Teacher Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Show Genuine Interest in Learning
Demonstrate authentic curiosity about their teaching approach and your own learning. Ask follow-up questions and show enthusiasm for improving your skills.
Focus on Skill Development and Growth
Ask about specific skills and competencies you want to develop. This shows you're committed to growth and want to improve your abilities.
Be Respectful and Professional
Maintain a respectful and professional tone. Show appreciation for their expertise and ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest in learning.
Question Sequences
The Teaching Philosophy and Approach Sequence
The Skill Development and Growth Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Ask Questions That Show Lack of Preparation
Avoid questions that could be answered by basic research about the class or curriculum. Show you've done your homework and ask thoughtful, informed questions.
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Personal
Avoid questions about personal matters or private information. Focus on professional and academic topics that are relevant to the class.
Don't Ask Questions That Are Too Narrow
Avoid questions that are too specific or narrow in scope. Ask questions that are relevant to the class and show your understanding of the subject.