As an instructor/trainer do you tend to ask questions in the "knowledge" category most of the time? After answering the question leave a comment to explain.

Knowledge questions are not bad, but using them all the time is. Try to utilize higher order level of questions. These questions require much more "brain power" and a more extensive and elaborate answer. Here are the five other question categories as defined by Bloom: Comprehension, Appication, Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation. Also see http://www.oir.uiuc.edu/Did/docs/QUESTION/quest1.htm

Knowledge questions have always been a problem to me even as a learner. I always found it very easy to answer the questions that test my ability to analyze, compare, create etc. But remembering facts has always been a demotivating job for me. I guess it would be the same for a lot of learners out there.

With 11th and 12th graders, I depend on having them cue me when they need knowledge reviewed. I want to explore questions which indicate and stimulatehigher level thinking.

I said "yes" because I spend a great deal of time assessing what my participants know and finding out their needs. I do try to step up and raise the level as the training moves along, and I love the creative energy that builds as skills increase and possibilities bloom! Speaking of bloom, have you seen the newest version of Bloom's Taxonomy, converted to a digital vernacular and updated for project-based learning? Here are some resources: http://www.delicious.com/sharon_elin/blooms

With special ed students, it is too easy for them to guess at the right answer. Many of mine can memorize answers that you want to hear (like a parrot) but that doesn't mean they understand the answer they are giving. I like to see them take the information they have and use it in a real life application if possible. If not possible, I like for them to create something that shows their understanding of the concept such as drawing a poster, a comic strip, a book jacket, a diorama, sculpture etc.

Pat, that fits well with my mantra in teaching-learning which is: TELL me and I may forget; SHOW me and I may remember; INVOLVE me and I will understand.

Also see Bloom's Taxonomy Blooms Digitally at http://www.techlearning.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196605124