Get Your Students Hired
Open ended questions allow me to learn more about the potential student. It allows them to be the one talking. The more time the potential student is talking the more I'm identifying what their wants and needs are. Closed questions allow me to potentially clarify something they may have stated or allow me to move to the next question or step in the telephone outline.
I see you're using a combination of both open and closed ended questions, Carolyn. This approach is helpful in getting key information about your student and beginning to explore what's going on in the student's world. How do you find these questions work for you?
Did I catch you at a good time? Do you have a few minutes to talk?
Is the information you're requesting for you or someone else?
Did an employer refer you to our school?
Tell me about your previous educational background.
Tell me about your current situation.
How is your job/situation working for you?
What would you like to change about your employment situation?
Are you looking for career training to advance in your current job?
Do you know anyone working in this career? If so, what do they do/have that interst you?
What made you decide to request more information today or now?
These are great questions, Jim. It looks like you use a good mix of both open and closed questions. This is a great approach because it allows you to get information about the student and what's important to him/her and clarify any information that seems unclear or vague.
It sounds like you use open and close ended questions to get information from your students and that's a great approach, Moises. How do your students typically respond to these questions?
Who is helping you make this decision?
Are they ready to help you in any type of circum stance that may come about?
How long have you been interested in filmmaking?
Have you had any previous experience?
Have you taken any related creative classes in writing, acting, performance, videography, etc?
Are your parents aware of your interest in filmmaking?
Have you shot anything yet on your own?
Do you edit on your home computer?
Are you interested in creating your own drama, comedy or horror films?
In what capacity do you see yourself working in this industry?
Interesting questions, Linda. I'm guessing you ask these questions to determine the students motivating factors in their decision to further their education. The one caveat is that sometimes asking "why" can cause students to become defensive. The word "why" tends to imply judgment and can sometimes cause a person to disconnect from the conversation. How might you ask these questions without using the word "why"?
It looks like you have a good grasp on using open-ended questions, Germaine. These are wonderful for getting more information than a yes/no/short answer from the student. It looks like you ask questions to determine the students movtivators, methods of support, and the emotions behind what they have told you.
what made today the day for you to call?
what are some of your past jobs
What in your life gives you motivation
How important was it for you to graduate from highschool, college etc
How did that make you feel
who is your support system
Interesting questions, Marcie. It looks like you use both open and closed questions when working with students, which is a great approach as each allows you to get different types of information from your student. One thing to consider when asking questions is being careful with the word, "why"? Many times a question that starts with why may cause a person to feel as though they're being judged and therefore they can become defensive. A suggestion might be to tweak the question to make is softer. For instance, "What made you consider pursuing this degree?"
Why have you decided to consider pursuing this degree?
With this degree are you hoping to secure a promotion or are you perhaps considering a new career path?
Have you established a timeframe as to when you would like to complete your degree? Meaning are you interested in an accelerated program?
Asking questions that help your students clearly picture where they want to be in the near futuer is a great way to start a conversation and show your interest. And when you follow up with questions that help the student understand what is goind on with them right now, they may have a better opportunity of seeing what might be in the way of achieving that future goal.
I see that you use both open and closed ended questions, Jason. This is a good approach. Open questions, such as what and how questions, allow you to gather more information from the student as they typically encourage the person to elaborate. And closed questions are perfect for getting clarification from the student, and closing off a topic in order to move forward. How do you find this approach works for you in your conversations?
I really like these questions, never thought to ask about a five year plan.
Really make the student think about the choices they will be making.
What made you want this to be your career?
What made you intreasted in our school?
Are you working now, is there anything that could hinder you learning?
Thanks for sharing the questions you find most helpful, Alejandra. I see that you have a mix of open and closed ended questions. Open questions are great because they allow you the opportunity to gather a great deal of information. Closed questions are helpful as you summarize what you've learned and are checking in to see if you can move forward.
What is the reason for your call today?
What previous experience do you have with this field?
Are you currently working or you’re going to focuses on school?
What are your goals when you finish school?
Do you think this school can accomplish those goals?
Great questions, Dennis. I like the fact that you're using open-ended questions. You even follow some of your closed questions with another open one. Great practice. How do you find your students typically respond to these specific questions?