Answer: Because it’s doable. You already know how to ask questions. Your students already know how to answer questions. And you don’t have to have all the answers. You can start with the answers you have. I believe you have the expertise you need to start. Today. Right now. During your next class. Just ask a question. How about “How can we use what we are learning to serve others?”

Better answer: Because it works. Students increase their understanding and use of a biblical perspective when they consider questions like: “How can I be a wise steward?” “How can I bridge cultural differences?” “How can I use math to make sense of God's world?”

Need some testimonials? Read on.

• Student: “Questions challenge me to think in new ways and help me be a discerning thinker, to use a biblical perspective.”
  
• Elementary teacher: “My students have learned to apply a biblical perspective to course content. I ask them questions like, ‘How can I show that I obey God?’”
  
• Middle school teacher: “In my classes I ask questions like, ‘How do authors help us see truth?’ Using questions like this helps my students see God’s will in all that they do and understand that God’s Word applies to all subjects.”
  
• High school teacher: “Using questions has helped my students think through a biblical perspective and apply it to course content and to their lives.”

Need more reasons to use questions? Here’s a starter list:

• Using questions helps your students’ connect course content, their lives, and a biblical perspective.
  
• Using questions is a time-tested teaching practice.
  
• Using questions is fun.
  
• Using questions is something you can do right now.

So, what’s the real question? Well, it’s not “Why use questions?” Instead, it’s “How will I use questions today to help my students understand and use a biblical perspective?”

Remember: Success is your students increasing their understanding and use of a biblical perspective by responding sincerely to the questions you ask. Success is not you dispensing answers to your students or even you asking your students questions. But for your students to sincerely respond to a questions, you need to ask questions.

*For a set of discussion questions you can use to further reflect on this blog entry, click here.