Asking questions is vital for learning. There are lots of ways, and reasons, to ask questions during the delivery of training. When we think about confirming understanding, asking questions works in both directions. Participants need to ask questions in order to make sure they understand and learn the material. You may have been reluctant to ask a question because you were concerned the answer would be too obvious. Keep in mind that at least one other person in the room likely has the same question, and they will be thankful that you asked it.

Trainers also appreciate when participants ask questions because it provides ongoing feedback. Depending on the nature of the question asked, trainers will know how well they are communicating a concept. Questions encourage engagement. The act of asking a question involves trainees in the process of learning. Answering questions shifts trainees from being passive to more active learners. Questions are also meant to get trainees more interested in or involved with a concept. Even if trainees are not answering out loud, the goal is to get them to answer mentally.

When it comes to the mechanics of asking questions, trainers must make two key decisions. One decision is whether to ask a closed or open-ended question. When a question is closed, the trainer is looking for a specific answer. A second consideration is whether to target or lob it. Trainers who target ask the question of a particular trainee. Lobbed questions are presented to the class as a whole, and anyone is free to answer.