Watching a video in class is a great way to mix things up, but stopping there can sometimes leave students as passive viewers. That’s where follow-up questions come in!
Asking questions after a video keeps the conversation going, encourages students to think more deeply, and helps them connect the content with what they already know or with real-world situations.
In this article, you’ll find categories of questions to ask students after watching a video—whether it’s to check their understanding, spark critical thinking, or see how they relate to the topic personally.
Table of Contents
Basic Comprehension
- What was the main topic or theme of the video?
- Who were the key people or characters mentioned in the video?
- Can you summarize the video in a few sentences?
- What were the primary facts or points presented?
- What was the main goal or purpose of the video?
- How did the video begin, and how did it end?
- Were there any terms or concepts that were explained in detail?
- What important message or lesson was highlighted in the video?
- Did the video present any background information on the topic?
- Who is the intended audience for this video?
- What examples were used to explain the topic?
- Were there any statistics or data shared? If so, what were they?
- What surprised you the most about the content?
- Was there a clear problem or issue presented in the video?
- How did the narrator or speaker support their main points?
- What solution or outcome was proposed, if any?
- How did the visuals help explain the topic?
- What connections did the video make with other related topics?
- What was the tone or mood of the video?
- What was the most memorable part of the video for you?
Critical Analysis & Interpretation
- What do you think motivated the creator to make this video?
- How would you describe the perspective or bias of the video?
- Are there any viewpoints missing that could add depth to the topic?
- How effectively did the video present evidence to support its claims?
- Were there any assumptions made in the video?
- How might this video influence people’s opinions on the topic?
- What is one thing you agreed or disagreed with in the video?
- How does this video compare to other sources on the same topic?
- What would you add or change in the video to improve its message?
- How well were different perspectives balanced, if at all?
- Did the video use any emotional appeal to get its point across?
- What logical arguments or reasoning were presented?
- Was there a clear call to action? Do you think it was effective?
- What was the most persuasive element of the video?
- Can you identify any bias in the visuals, language, or examples?
- How reliable do you find the information presented?
- Was there a part that you found confusing or unclear? Why?
- How do you think the video’s structure impacted the message?
- What additional information would have made the content stronger?
- Do you think the video’s message was intended for a specific group? Why?
Real-World Applications
- How can the information in this video be used in everyday life?
- What real-world problem does this video address?
- Can you think of a profession that might benefit from watching this video?
- How could you use this information in your studies or career?
- What are some real-life examples that relate to the video’s topic?
- How could this video’s message impact society if widely known?
- What current events or news stories are related to this topic?
- How could the ideas in this video be applied in your community?
- How does this topic affect people on a daily basis?
- What organizations or groups would benefit from this information?
- Can you think of a recent event that reflects the video’s message?
- How could the video’s content inspire you to take action?
- Are there any laws or policies connected to this topic?
- How does this topic impact you personally?
- How could you teach others about the concepts discussed in the video?
- What businesses or industries are influenced by this topic?
- Can you think of a time when this information would be useful?
- What challenges might someone face when applying these ideas?
- How could this video affect people with different backgrounds or views?
- Are there any long-term effects of the issue discussed in the video?
Personal Reflections
- What were your initial thoughts after watching the video?
- Did anything in the video challenge your beliefs or values?
- How does the video make you feel about the topic?
- Have you experienced anything related to the topic?
- What new perspectives did you gain from the video?
- Do you feel motivated to learn more about the topic? Why?
- What personal opinions do you have about the topic?
- Did the video remind you of any experiences in your life?
- How would you explain the topic to a friend or family member?
- Do you feel differently about the topic now?
- If you were to make a video response, what would you say?
- How does this video fit with what you already know about the topic?
- What question would you like to ask the creator of the video?
- Did any specific parts resonate with you on a personal level?
- How has the video changed or confirmed your opinion?
- How would you approach the topic differently after watching it?
- What did you find inspiring or discouraging in the video?
- Would you recommend this video to others? Why or why not?
- How did the video impact your interest in this topic?
- What’s one takeaway from the video that you’ll remember?
Creative Aspects of the Video
- How did the visuals in the video enhance the message?
- Was the editing style effective in conveying the topic?
- How did the music influence the mood of the video?
- Did you notice any symbolism in the visuals?
- How would the message change if different visuals were used?
- What creative elements caught your attention the most?
- Did the style of narration match the topic well?
- How did the lighting and colors affect the tone of the video?
- Was there a particular scene that stood out to you creatively?
- How would you rate the overall quality of the visuals?
- Did the video use any special effects? Were they effective?
- How do you think the setting or background influenced the message?
- Were there any unique visual transitions that enhanced the flow?
- How would you describe the overall artistic style of the video?
- What did you think of the way the video was structured?
- Was there anything unexpected in the visual presentation?
- How did the creative style make you feel about the topic?
- What could be changed to improve the visual appeal?
- Did the video’s pace affect how you engaged with the content?
- How might the video be different with a simpler or more complex style?
Final Thoughts
The right questions can pique their curiosity, spark thoughtful discussions, and even make the content stick longer. Plus, they’re a great way to see their perspectives and understand how they’re processing the material.
I hope these question categories give you a strong starting point for creating thoughtful, lively discussions with your students.
