That's a Good Question ... How to Teach by Asking Questions.(Book Review)

That's a Good Question ... How to Teach by Asking Questions, by Marienne Uszler The FJH Music Company, Inc. (Westport Business Park, 2525 Davie Rd., Ste. 360. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317-7424), 2003. 90pp. $9.95.

What kinds of questions do you ask your students? What do their answers reveal to you? Have you ever taped your lessons to discover the answer? What a question! These are just the kinds of thought-provoking inquiries that author Marienne Uszler encourages us to consider in this slim volume. Although it's small, it packs a powerful punch pedagogically speaking. Naturally, it starts with a question. "Should asking questions play a big role in a piano or keyboard lesson?" And from that one lead, a most persuasive dialogue with the reader is launched.

The book efficiently covers the underlying wisdom behind employing a more Socratic approach and how to achieve it on a practical level. Not only are we given food for thought about the value of generating questions in the lesson, but equally present are wonderful ideas for making practical use of the suggestions. The logical progression begins with examining the teacher-student dynamic, then moves on to "types" of questions and "types" of students, and finally, a look at group dynamics and how they impact the suggested approach, including excellent guidance for posing questions in group situations and performance-related activities.