Teaching Assistant

Using Hinge Questions as a TA: Checking Understanding and Addressing Misconceptions in the Primary Classroom

Ever wondered how you can quickly spot what pupils truly understand and what they’re struggling with in a lesson? This course guides TAs through the theory and practice of hinge questions, showing how to identify misconceptions, support teachers and interpret pupil responses with confidence. You will explore practical strategies, create ready-to-use question banks and learn how to adapt hinge questions across subjects, key stages and diverse learner needs. By the end of the course, you will be equipped to help pupils think more deeply, work independently and achieve better learning outcomes.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania,
Fiona Roberts
&
Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course


By completing this course, you will:

gain a clear understanding of what hinge questions are, why they are effective for checking understanding and how they help identify and address misconceptions;
develop the skills to spot misconceptions quickly and accurately, interpret pupil responses and provide meaningful feedback to support learning;
learn strategies to collaborate with teachers in planning, administering and refining hinge questions across lessons and subjects;
explore how hinge questions can encourage pupils to think critically, reason and develop independence in their learning;
understand how hinge questions can be tailored for different subjects, key stages and learner needs, with practical examples for core and foundation subjects from EYFS to KS2.

Course Lessons

Written by Yiotina Achilleos-Dania

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful courses that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by Fiona Roberts

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Fiona Roberts is a video content creator for the Twinkl CPD team. She has over 10 years experience as a primary school teacher and private tutor. Before completing her PGDE, Fiona also achieved a MA(Hons) in Film and Television Studies. She has previously supported the development of her school’s English curriculum and is particularly passionate about this subject. Fiona has also thoroughly enjoyed acting as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers during her time in the classroom.

In collaboration with Carly Watkins

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Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.