Layering question stems in Insert Learning

Insert Learning is the service I recommend for educators interested in layering elements (comments, links, questions, discussion prompts) on online web pages to create learning resources. I have generated a couple of video tutorials you are welcome to explore. In an effort to improve the efficiency of educators adding questions to online content, Insert Learning has added question stems that can be simply selected and edited if necessary.

The following two images show the Insert Learning Toolset and an inserted question. The red boxes indicate the selection of the question tool (left) and within the blank inserted question dropdown menu icon that reveals the question stems (second image).

Insert Learning describes these stems as “text-independent” and “non-googleable”. I agree with these descriptions, but I think question stems are more useful if more specific. I understand the effort of Insert Learning to suggest educators consider the value of question stems, but either Insert Learning needs to go further in suggesting useful stems or educators should look elsewhere to become familiar with the use of stems and to find examples. Just Google question stems.

Here are the types of stems I recommend:

Do you agree or disagree with ………..? Support your answer.

Give an example of ……….

What is the difference between …… and ……

How does …. effect ….?

How does …. tie in with what we learned before?

These stems are not “text-independent”, but I would suggest they are more useful in facilitating productive cognitive activity.

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