Calibrated question in pedagogy

This article is about a format used within an exposition for the explainer to get feedback from the learner(s), and/or for learner(s) to self-assess.
View list of in-exposition feedback formats | View summary table of learning techniques (not limited to in-exposition feedback formats)

Definition

The calibrated question is a negotiation technique popularized by Chris Voss, that suggests framing questions using "what" and "how" to get more specifics, and to avoid using "why". Calibrated questions work by prompting deeper reflection on the part of answerers and making them more comfortable sharing information.

In the pedagogical context, calibrated questions may be used by explainers both as object-level questions to assess and diagnose learners' understanding, and to prompt self-reflection on the part of learners. An example of a calibrated question to prompt self-reflection is What parts of this topic are you least confident about?

See also

• No-oriented question in pedagogy
• Questions or comments?