Student Question Master

One group writes comprehension questions on a text; the other groups study the text and answer without referring to it — reversing the usual teacher-asks dynamic.

Procedure

1. Assign a text for all students to prepare (can be homework).
2. Designate one group (~4 students) as the "question masters."
3. Question masters individually prepare questions on the text, then agree on a final list of ~10 questions as a group.
4. Meanwhile, other groups study the text and anticipate possible questions.
5. In class, question masters read out questions one by one.
6. Other groups answer individually first, then compare within their group and agree on a final answer — all without the text.
7. Score on a grid; question masters act as judges, teacher as referee.

Tips

• Question masters can prepare for homework; this distributes the cognitive load.
• Answering without the text transforms passive reading into active recall and discussion.
• Rotate the question master role across lessons so every group gets a turn.
• Works best with information-rich texts (factual, biographical, news articles).