

Something like, “Start now” is so simple that you don’t need to check it. Think about how complicated your instructions are. #5: More Complicated Instructions = More ICQs They are a nice way to reduce cognitive load. One way to help these daydreamers in your class out is with ICQs. This is totally normal during a language class. #4: Some Students Zone Outįeeling frustrated that students seem to be zoning out during instructions. ICQs are for the bottom 20% of the class that may be struggling. Most students will have already understood the instructions. Experienced teachers can often think of them on the spot but this isn’t as easy to do when just starting out. When making a lesson plan, jot down a few ICQs for each activity or game. #2: Write Instruction Checking Questions Down Or, a question that requires only a one-word answer (How many people in a group? 3). Think yes/no questions (Should you stand up?). Here are a few of my top tips for using ICQs in your classes. Teaching Tips for Instruction Checking Questions How many sentences do you need to write?.How many minutes do you have to finish?.There are countless examples of instruction checking questions and they’ll largely depend on the activity or game. For example, a CCQ might be related to the difference between curly and straight hair, or the rules for the simple past. ICQs are designed to test understanding of instruction while CCQs test whether or not students have understood something related to language. ICQ’s are ideal for eliciting feedback from students.Īlthough ICQs (instruction checking question) and CCQs (concept checking questions) are similar, they test different things. They are simple questions that should require only an answer that is one or two words. They are used in language classes to ensure that students have understood instructions that a teacher has given. There is a better way! Keep on reading to find out more.

Oh, and one thing before we get into all the details about instruction checking questions! Whatever you do, please banish the question, “Do you understand?” It’s useless because all students will say yes, all the time, even if they don’t. Whatever the case, instruction checking questions are vital for ensuring a well-run language class. They may be too embarrassed to admit that they didn’t understand in front of their classmates, or they might not have the language ability to formulate a question related to instructions. In a second language class, it’s very common for students to misunderstand a teacher giving instructions, particularly at lower levels. For example, to clarify how many people are in a group, what the goal of the task is, or how many minutes they have to complete something. Teachers use ICQ’s to make sure that language learners understand what they need to do during an activity.
