Which type of questioning is considered more complex and requires higher-level thinking?

Open-ended questioning is considered more complex and requires higher-level thinking because it encourages learners to think critically and explore topics in depth rather than providing simple, factual responses. This type of questioning allows for a variety of answers and can stimulate discussion, reflection, and analysis. Educators use open-ended questions to engage students, prompting them to share their thoughts, experiences, and insights, which fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

By contrast, other types of questioning, such as closed questioning or low-order questioning, often lead to straightforward, often one-word answers and do not encourage elaboration or critical thinking. Closed questions typically allow for a limited set of responses, such as "yes" or "no," while low-order questions focus on recall and basic comprehension. Direct questioning, while it can be effective in obtaining specific information, also tends to be more constrained in the depth of thought it elicits compared to open-ended questioning.