99. How to Ask Questions

Talmud Torah 4:6

When a teacher enters the study hall, the students should not ask him questions until he has had a chance to gather his thoughts. A student should not ask until the teacher sits down and composes himself. Two students should not ask questions at the same time. A teacher should only be asked about the material they are studying, not about other matters, because it could embarrass him if he doesn’t know.

The teacher may ask misleading questions and perform misleading actions in order to hone his students and to see if they remember what he taught them. It goes without saying that he may ask them about areas they are not currently studying in order to motivate them.

Talmud Torah 4:7

One should not ask a question while standing, nor respond while standing. One should not ask from a high place, from a distance, or from behind elders. A teacher should only be asked about the subject they are studying. Questions may only be asked with proper respect. One should ask no more than three questions on a subject.