Question Ladder

This module will support your understanding and use of the Question Ladder Tool from the DIY Toolkit. You should look at the Question Ladder Template which can be found on page 60 of the DIY Toolkit [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   before working through the module. You will find it helpful to have a print out of the Question Ladder Template with you while you work through this module.

How do you know the right questions to ask to really get at the information you need? It might sound simple, but focusing on what you’re asking, and how, is essential for improving the quality of the response. ‘Laddering’ is a technique that helps you to focus on a certain topic by asking a series of questions about different aspects related to that topic.

This module shows you how to employ this technique using the Question Ladder Template, a simple tool that enables you to ask ‘good’ questions. (By ‘good questions’, we mean a set of questions that are worth answering, and provide a framework for gathering useful answers for action.)

Learning outcomes

After studying this module, you should be able to:

  • describe when a question ladder is a useful and appropriate tool (SAQ 1)
  • understand the layout of the Question Ladder Template and how it works (SAQ 2)
  • select the most relevant questions to challenge the core issues of a problem or opportunity (SAQ 3)
  • explain the strengths and weaknesses of a question ladder (SAQ 4).

1 When to use a question ladder