Geographical question typologies: student-generated questions

Primary classrooms provide the learnings in Geography that are the foundation for geographical learnings in the secondary classroom. This chapter concerns the nature of student-generated questions in the Geography lessons of primary classrooms in Australia. The typology of student-generated questions provided in this chapter indicates the need for teachers to provide opportunities for students to discuss their ideas in small groups as well as a whole class. These discussions must encourage the students to question their learnings. This chapter provides an insight into the nature of questioning in the primary Geography classroom – giving a voice to the student. A major conclusion is that student-generated questions and natural discourse concerning geographical concepts and ideas should be included in all primary classrooms as the thinking skills enhanced through student-generated questioning is likely to be transferable to other learning areas.