Higher-Order Questioning Toolkit: Cold Calling, MWBs & ABC Discussion

Improve classroom questioning and ensure more pupils think, respond and explain their reasoning with this practical staff training and classroom strategy resource.

This visual playbook helps teachers move from simple recall questions to higher-order questioning using “How” and “Why” prompts. It focuses on strategies that increase accountability and participation across the whole class, ensuring misconceptions are identified and addressed in real time.

The resource shows how to transform recall questions into cognitive triggers that reveal deeper understanding, supported by structured routines such as cold calling, mini whiteboards and the Agree–Build–Challenge discussion framework.

Designed for CPD sessions, department meetings or instructional coaching, it provides a clear framework for embedding stronger questioning routines across a department.

What this resource includes
Visual higher-order questioning guide
Strategies for turning “What” questions into “How” and “Why” questions
Examples for science and general classroom teaching
Structured questioning routines including:
Cold calling
Mini whiteboards (MWBs)
Agree – Build – Challenge discussion
A questioning cycle for lessons (trigger → capture → select → extend)
Department implementation timeline and reflection checklist
Suggested professional reading and further strategies
Why this resource is useful

This resource helps teachers:

✔ Increase whole-class participation
✔ Reveal misconceptions and partial understanding
✔ Encourage pupil reasoning and explanation
✔ Move from memory recall to deeper thinking

The ultimate aim is simple: nearly all pupils thinking and participating, not just the same few.

Ideal for
Whole-school CPD
Department professional learning
Instructional coaching
Early career teacher training
Teachers looking to improve questioning and participation