In the context of improving expressive language skills, what safety net should educators employ?

Asking open-ended questions to probe for more information is an effective strategy for enhancing expressive language skills. This technique encourages students to think critically and articulate their thoughts in a more elaborate manner. Open-ended questions require more than a simple yes or no response; they invite students to expand on their ideas, providing opportunities for them to practice vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.

This method fosters a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, thus building their confidence in using language expressively. It also allows educators to assess the students’ understanding and thought processes, giving them valuable insights into individual learning needs. In contrast to methods like worksheets, which focus more on rote practice, or independent work, which may not provide immediate feedback, open-ended questioning dynamically engages students in conversation, helping them to develop richer language skills.