39. QUESTIONING CUBES (Questioning, Collaboration, Discussion, Writing)
Description: Questioning Cubes is an instructional strategy that combines the elements of playing a game with inquiry. Each side of the cube contains a different question or activity for students to attempt.
Application: Use in all subjects.
Process: Prepare six-sided cube (addendum below) according to topic, unit, story, etc. before class meets. Use cardstock. Write questions by hand or use a cube creator (www.readwritethink.org). Consider level of questions and student abilities when creating cubes but include an opinion-based question with no definitive answer. Differentiate by creating multiple cubes with varied levels. Color-code the cubes to denote differentiation or if there are more than six questions pertaining to the topic with students rolling more than one die at a time. For most instances, keep the questions on the cubes specific to the topic but have a few generic question cubes ready just in case there are spare minutes at the end of class. Examples are shown below:
Description: Questioning Cubes is an instructional strategy that combines the elements of playing a game with inquiry. Each side of the cube contains a different question or activity for students to attempt.
Application: Use in all subjects.
Process: Prepare six-sided cube (addendum below) according to topic, unit, story, etc. before class meets. Use cardstock. Write questions by hand or use a cube creator (www.readwritethink.org). Consider level of questions and student abilities when creating cubes but include an opinion-based question with no definitive answer. Differentiate by creating multiple cubes with varied levels. Color-code the cubes to denote differentiation or if there are more than six questions pertaining to the topic with students rolling more than one die at a time. For most instances, keep the questions on the cubes specific to the topic but have a few generic question cubes ready just in case there are spare minutes at the end of class. Examples are shown below:
On class day, form partnerships and distribute cubes, one per group. Make sure partners have a sheet of paper to write answers. Tell students that partner A rolls cube and answers the question while partner B writes. Encourage partner B to ask clarifying questions if answer is insufficient. Repeat process with partner B rolling and answering with partner A writing. At the end of the activity, keep students in pairs and review answers.
Reference, Graphics, and/or for more information:
39. Questioning Cubes
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/cube_creator/
https://rpdc.mst.edu/media/center/rpdc/documents/Cubing_Jigsawcenters.pdf
http://www.educationalimpact.com/resources/guideDI/pdf/guideDI_4_Cubing.pdf
39. Questioning Cubes
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/cube_creator/
https://rpdc.mst.edu/media/center/rpdc/documents/Cubing_Jigsawcenters.pdf
http://www.educationalimpact.com/resources/guideDI/pdf/guideDI_4_Cubing.pdf