Hinge Questions and Diagnostic Tasks

In Module 1 we established that better evidence leads to better decisions — and explored a range of strategies for gathering that evidence through questioning and discussion. But knowing that you need better evidence is one thing. Knowing how to design questions that reliably generate it is another.

In this module, we move from the general principles of good questioning to a specific and powerful tool: the hinge question. We will examine what makes a hinge question effective, how to design diagnostic questions that reveal genuine understanding rather than the appearance of it, how to use the evidence they generate to make better teaching decisions in real time, and how to differentiate through careful question design.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Hinge Questions and Diagnostic Tasks: Evaluate the design principles of an effective hinge question, and reflect on your own lessons to identify the moments where a well-designed diagnostic question would most improve your teaching decisions.