There are several systems for classifying questions. One system classifies questions as convergent or divergent. Convergent questions have a single or limited number of correct answers. Convergent questions typically involve the recall of facts or application of knowledge to a specific situation. In some classification schemes, convergent questions are called closed questions.
Divergent questions have many correct answers or even unknown answers.
They are often used to get students to think or solve problems. Teachers typically asked convergent questions five times more often than they ask divergent questions. Both types of questions are valuable in the classroom. In some classification schemes, divergent questions are called open questions. A probing question is one in which the teacher asks the student to provide additional information, clarify a response or justify an answer.