Does that make sense?” Cue the blank stares. We’ve all been there. But what if the real issue isn’t student understanding—it’s the questions we’re asking?
On Today’s Episode Questions to Ask to Get Students Thinking:
In this episode of the podcast, I’m diving into one of the most common questions I hear from teachers: “What questions should I ask in math class?” Whether you’re leading Word Problem Workshop or sparking discussion during math talk, these 7 question types will help unlock student thinking and bring problem solving to life.
1. Making Sense Questions: Kick Off With Clarity
Key Question: “What’s going on here?”
Before solving begins, students need to grasp the story. These questions help students slow down, process the context, and set themselves up for deeper understanding—not just number grabbing.
You’ll hear how a simple change in phrasing helped one student shift from confusion to clarity.
2. Understanding the Problem: Give Numbers Meaning
Key Question: “What does this number represent?”
Students often skip over meaning and jump straight into calculation. These questions help kids anchor their strategies to the story—not just the digits.
Tune in for tips on stopping “number plucking” and starting real math sense-making.
3. Decision-Making Questions: Make Thinking Visible
Key Question: “Why did you figure out the total?”
Help students explain their strategy choices. These questions shift math from rote steps to thoughtful decisions—and lead to aha moments you’ll want to capture.
A student’s insight about needing the total before splitting it will stick with you.
4. Rational Thinking Support: Build Bridges from Past Learning
Key Question: “Have you seen something like this before?”
When students get stuck, it’s often because they can’t connect the new to the known. Use this question to help students tap into prior knowledge and become flexible problem-solvers.
Perfect for those “I’ve never seen this before!” moments.
5. Analyzing Mistakes: Make Errors a Learning Tool
Key Question: “What tipped you off that something wasn’t right?”
Want to create a mistake-friendly classroom? These questions help students learn from errors and embrace reflection—not fear failure.
Discover how one student realized “500 kids on a bus” just didn’t make sense.
6. Apply Intuition: Let Students Self-Assess
Key Question: “How confident are you in that answer?”
Encourage students to check their reasoning before seeking outside validation. These questions strengthen intuition and build trust in their own thinking.
Use these after solving—but before revealing answers—to empower student voice.
7. Reflective Intuition: End with a Thought-Provoking Reflection
Key Question: “What do you understand now that you didn’t before?”
Close your math lesson with purpose. These questions promote metacognition and help students see their own growth—not just the final answer.
End-of-lesson reflection becomes a powerful moment, not an afterthought.
🧠 Why These Math Questions Get Students Thinking
Every question you ask in math class shapes student thinking. These 7 types aren’t just strategies—they’re invitations to deeper learning, richer discussions, and better problem-solving skills. When you shift your questioning, you shift the learning.
Want to take the guesswork out of what to ask next?
✅ Get the Free Printable: 35 Questions to Get Students Thinking in Math Class
🎁 Download your free PDF of 35 high-impact math questions you can use tomorrow—perfect for Word Problem Workshop, math talks, and small group sessions.
📥 Grab it now at monamath.com/35questions
🎧 Listen & Learn
📌 Tune into the full episode to hear classroom stories, exact question phrasing, and easy ways to start shifting your questions today.
🎙️ Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen, and don’t forget to leave a review—it helps more educators find the show!
🔥 Upcoming Opportunities
📅 Mini Workshop – June 20th: Take your Word Problem Workshop to the next level with hands-on strategies and coaching.
🎟️ Sign up at monamath.com/mini
📚 Book Launch – Coming October 2025: A complete guide to designing math classrooms that BUZZ with joy, thinking, and results. Stay tuned!
Let’s create math spaces where students don’t just do math—they think it, talk it, and love it.
👉 Listen to the full episode now and start transforming your questions tomorrow.
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