Question Matrix
Chuck Weiderhold designed the Question Matrix in 1991. The matrix consists of 36 question starters that encourage the user to find out the; what, where, when, which, who, why and how about a topic or idea. As the learner proceeds through the matrix the questions become more complex and open-ended.
Who can use the matrix?
- Students can use the matrix to create their own questions about a topic to find out further information.
- Teachers can use the matrix to model to, and scaffold, their learners when asking questions and encouraging deeper thinking.
- Family can use the matrix at home to support their child. This could be done during homework or even when reading.
Some ways in which a question matrix could be used with Thinking Maps.
The question matrix could be used in many of the Thinking Maps as it ignites opportunities and purpose for deeper thinking, a feature that is also promoted by Thinking Maps.
One of the more simple methods of achieving this is though making two six-sided dice to indicate different question beginnings, eg ‘What?’, ‘Which?’, ‘Where/When?’, ‘Who?’, ‘Why?’, ‘How?’.
or alternatively two spinning wheels each with six sections containing the different question beginnings.
Both of the above methods would need to be supported in the learning environment through the chart seen above, which would act as a point of reference the children can refer back to.