Book Synopsis

"Look out, Socrates! Here comes Connie Hamilton, the newest innovator of questionology! - Marcia Gutiérrez, High School Educator

A fresh perspective on the art of questioning

Questions are the driving force of learning in classrooms. Hacking Questions digs into framing, delivering, and maximizing questions in the classroom to keep students engaged in learning.

Known in education circles as the "Questioning Guru," Connie Hamilton shows teachers of all subjects and grades how to:

Hear the music: listen for correct answersScaffold to trigger student thinking without doing it for themKick the IDK bucket to avoid "I don't know" as the final answerPunctuate your learning time to end with reflection questionsSpin the throttle to fuel students to ask the questionsFill your back pocket with engagement questionsMake yourself invisible by establishing student-centered protocolsBe a Pinball Wizard and turn students into facilitators

Praise for Connie Hamilton and Hacking Questions

"Connie Hamilton is known by teachers and leaders as the Questioning Guru. She offers minor tweaks and major perspective shifts. You will be a better questioner tomorrow." -Dr. Dorothy VanderJagt, Professional Learning Coordinator

"Connie Hamilton is a world-class presenter with expertise in the art of questioning. She provides a fresh perspective and practical tips on integrating research-based strategies." -Melisa Mulder, Intervention Teacher

"Connie is an incredible driver of change in our focus on classroom questioning as a best practice instructional strategy." -Troy VanderLaan, Middle School Administrator

Answers to your questions about questions

Hacking Questions provides practical solutions to the universal questioning problems that teachers face daily. Find your answers now.

Review Quotes

"Connie will push your thinking and equip you with invaluable questioning strategies that all K-12 teachers need to use! She has helped me become more intentional when questioning my students and the results have been remarkable. The best part is that my students are now modeling Connie's techniques when they question each other!"

- Kristy Babyak, Elementary Teacher

"Look out, Socrates! Here comes Connie Hamilton, the newest innovator of questionology! Connie Hamilton is leading teachers to create a higher level of learning through questioning techniques that can only be compared to the Golden Age."

- Marcia Gutiérrez, High School Educator

"Connie has the unique ability to know how to support teachers with the knowledge and confidence to understand their roles when asking questions to increase student thinking and engagement. She is an amazing presenter. You can take your learning immediately into the classroom!"

- Simone Margraf, Curriculum/Instruction/MTSS District Coordinator/K-8 Instructional Coach

"Connie Hamilton is a highly skilled facilitator who provides teachers with the opportunity to reflect on their questioning and bring clarity to what is essential in student learning. She consciously shapes professional development with an inquiry approach. It is evident that she is a true champion for student and teacher success!"

- Stephanie O'Connor, Middle School Principal

"In a very short amount of time, Connie Hamilton opened my eyes to the art of questioning. Connie taught me how to get more from my students by questioning in such a way that is safe and inviting to the students in order to deepen their thinking. I feel fortunate to have had the training and welcome any further professional development from such a guru of questioning."

-Debbie Pappas, Elementary Math Teacher

"Our teachers have the wonderful opportunity to learn along with Connie. She has a wealth of knowledge around teaching and learning. Connie is a masterful coach, facilitator and presenter. She crafts questions for teachers to have deep reflection around their practice. Connie's work provides teachers with effective techniques they can implement right away to strengthen the purpose of their lessons."

- Cheryl Thomas, Elementary Principal

"Connie is an incredible driver of change in our focus on classroom questioning as a best practice instructional strategy. Her support in our district has rebuilt classroom questioning into its most efficient and effective form to date. I've learned so much from Connie in the realm of classroom questioning, best practices, and all things related to excellent teaching."

- Troy VanderLaan, Middle School Administrator

"The way Connie presented questioning and how she connected it helped me to better understand student learning. The workshops applied to all grade levels and were interactive. I continue to use her models with my students daily."

- Michelle Maci, High School Teacher