Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
By crafting a line of questioning precisely around what they want students thinking about, teachers create opportunities for students to process—and better retain—key content.
Social studies teacher Kalen Dillon knows exactly which questions will push her students at Delta Middle School, in Delta, CO, towards more effortful thinking. With just the right balance of encouragement and accountability, Dillon prompts her students with a very intentional sequence of questions to demonstrate their understanding—and make their own connections between concepts.
Our How Learning Happens video series explores teaching practices grounded in the science of learning. To see more, visit edutopia.org/package/how-learning-happens-instructional-shifts
Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh
*Follow us here:*
Official Website: https://edutopia.org
YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopia
Facebook: facebook.com/edutopia
Instagram: instagram.com/edutopia
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/edutopia.org
#brainbasedlearning #teachingstrategies #howlearninghappens #learningscience
© 2026 George Lucas Educational Foundation
By crafting a line of questioning precisely around what they want students thinking about, teachers create opportunities for students to process—and better retain—key content.
Social studies teacher Kalen Dillon knows exactly which questions will push her students at Delta Middle School, in Delta, CO, towards more effortful thinking. With just the right balance of encouragement and accountability, Dillon prompts her students with a very intentional sequence of questions to demonstrate their understanding—and make their own connections between concepts.
Our How Learning Happens video series explores teaching practices grounded in the science of learning. To see more, visit edutopia.org/package/how-learning-happens-instructional-shifts
Join the Edutopia community today to get articles, videos, and more delivered via email every Wednesday—all tailored to you and your unique role: edut.to/3wEVHUh
*Follow us here:*
Official Website: https://edutopia.org
YouTube: youtube.com/c/edutopia
Facebook: facebook.com/edutopia
Instagram: instagram.com/edutopia
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/edutopia.org
#brainbasedlearning #teachingstrategies #howlearninghappens #learningscience
© 2026 George Lucas Educational Foundation










