What is the primary purpose of oral questioning?

The primary purpose of oral questioning is to stimulate students to think actively about the subject matter. This method engages students in critical thinking and promotes deeper understanding by prompting them to articulate their thoughts, opinions, and knowledge. Through oral questioning, instructors can encourage students to analyze concepts, apply information, and explore various perspectives, thereby enhancing their learning experience.

While providing evaluation data is an important aspect of assessment, it is not the foremost purpose of oral questioning. Checking attendance does not foster cognitive engagement or learning, and while encouraging discussion can be a beneficial outcome of oral questioning, the key aim is to provoke students' thought processes. The focus on stimulating thinking ensures that students are not passive recipients of information but active participants in their own education.