Free This or That Templates for Learning Communities

Tired of trying to get your learning community talking? This or That prompts offer a playful way to spark quick, low-pressure engagement. Use these templates to create instant conversation and help members feel at home.

Learning 41 Templates

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Why This Works

This or That questions lower the barrier to participation by offering simple, binary choices that anyone can answer quickly. In learning communities, these prompts allow members to share preferences and experiences without feeling put on the spot or needing deep expertise. The casual, game-like format taps into curiosity and friendly debate, encouraging members to check back and see how others responded.

Psychologically, giving a choice between two approachable options reduces the fear of being 'wrong' and creates a welcoming space for even the quietest members. These prompts also foster connection by revealing small details about each other, building rapport and trust over time. When learning feels fun and interactive, members are more likely to stay engaged and contribute further.

41 Ready-to-Use Templates

1

Morning study or late-night study - which do you prefer?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Morning study or late-night study - which do you prefer? I am all about the morning energy!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #study habits #preferences
2

Taking notes by hand or typing - what helps you remember best?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Taking notes by hand or typing - what helps you remember best? Handwriting for me!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #learning style #study tips
3

Solo learning or group study - which one motivates you more and why?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Solo learning or group study - which one motivates you more and why? Group study keeps me accountable."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #motivation #study style
4

Audio books or e-books - which format do you choose for learning?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Audio books or e-books - which format do you choose for learning? E-books for notetaking!"

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #reading #tech
5

Watching videos or reading articles - what helps you grasp new ideas faster?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Watching videos or reading articles - what helps you grasp new ideas faster? Videos work best for me."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #preferences #learning method
6

Paper textbooks or digital resources - what is your go-to?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Paper textbooks or digital resources - what is your go-to? Digital for convenience."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #resources #study tools
7

Learning by doing or learning by watching - which sticks with you more?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning by doing or learning by watching - which sticks with you more? Doing, every time!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #active learning #style
8

Short study sessions or long deep-dives - what is your preference?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Short study sessions or long deep-dives - what is your preference? I like short bursts."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #study habits #time management
9

Highlighting or underlining - which do you use more often?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Highlighting or underlining - which do you use more often? Highlighting for me."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #study tips #personal
10

Mind maps or flashcards - what helps you organize information?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Mind maps or flashcards - what helps you organize information? Flashcards all the way."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #study tools #organization
11

Quizzes or discussions - which do you prefer for review?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Quizzes or discussions - which do you prefer for review? Discussions help me understand."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #review #learning activities
12

Whiteboard or notebook - where do you jot down your ideas?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Whiteboard or notebook - where do you jot down your ideas? Notebooks for me."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #note-taking #personal
13

Silent background or music while studying - what is your vibe?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Silent background or music while studying - what is your vibe? I need total silence."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #environment #study habits
14

Learning new concepts or mastering old ones - what excites you more?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning new concepts or mastering old ones - what excites you more? New concepts every time!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #motivation #learning journey
15

Online courses or in-person classes - which do you find more effective?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Online courses or in-person classes - which do you find more effective? Online for flexibility."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #learning format #preferences
16

Studying with snacks or staying focused without food - what is your approach?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Studying with snacks or staying focused without food - what is your approach? Snacks are a must for me."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #study habits #personal
17

Visual aids or written explanations - what helps ideas click?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Visual aids or written explanations - what helps ideas click? Visuals help me remember."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #learning style #study tools
18

Learning in short bursts or marathon sessions - which do you prefer?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning in short bursts or marathon sessions - which do you prefer? I like short bursts."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #study habits #time management
19

Asking questions or figuring things out solo - what is your go-to strategy?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Asking questions or figuring things out solo - what is your go-to strategy? I ask lots of questions."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #problem solving #preferences
20

Studying at home or at a library - where do you focus best?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Studying at home or at a library - where do you focus best? Library is my spot."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #study environment #focus
21

Joining study groups or going solo - what works for you?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Joining study groups or going solo - what works for you? I need a group to stay on track."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #study style #community
22

Reviewing before bed or first thing in the morning - when do you retain more?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Reviewing before bed or first thing in the morning - when do you retain more? Before bed for me."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #study timing #memory
23

Pen and paper planning or digital to-do lists - what keeps you organized?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Pen and paper planning or digital to-do lists - what keeps you organized? Digital lists for the win."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #organization #study tools
24

Focusing on one subject or mixing topics - how do you structure your study time?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Focusing on one subject or mixing topics - how do you structure your study time? I like to mix topics."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #study habits #time management
25

Learning with games or traditional exercises - which is more fun for you?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning with games or traditional exercises - which is more fun for you? Games all the way!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #gamification #learning style
26

Taking breaks often or powering through - what keeps you productive?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Taking breaks often or powering through - what keeps you productive? I need regular breaks."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #productivity #study habits
27

Studying with a pet nearby or alone - what is your preference?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Studying with a pet nearby or alone - what is your preference? My cat keeps me company."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #study environment #personal
28

Learning for fun or for a goal - what drives you to learn?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning for fun or for a goal - what drives you to learn? Goals motivate me."

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Top #motivation #learning journey
29

Taking handwritten notes or using a tablet - what is your style?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Taking handwritten notes or using a tablet - what is your style? I love my tablet."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #tech #note-taking
30

Study apps or paper planners - what keeps you on track?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Study apps or paper planners - what keeps you on track? Study apps make it easy for me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #organization #tech
31

Learning from mistakes or learning from examples - which do you remember better?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning from mistakes or learning from examples - which do you remember better? Mistakes stick with me!"

πŸ”΄ High Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Frequent #reflection #learning style
32

Competitive quizzes or collaborative projects - which is more enjoyable?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Competitive quizzes or collaborative projects - which is more enjoyable? Projects are my favorite."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #activities #preferences
33

Watching replays or attending live sessions - what do you prefer?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Watching replays or attending live sessions - what do you prefer? Live sessions keep me engaged."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #learning method #format
34

Learning one new thing a day or deep diving weekly - what suits you?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning one new thing a day or deep diving weekly - what suits you? I love daily learning."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #learning plan #routine
35

Asking mentors or using self-help resources - who do you turn to first?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Asking mentors or using self-help resources - who do you turn to first? Mentors are my first stop."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #support #learning resources
36

Working in silence or with background noise - what helps you focus?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Working in silence or with background noise - what helps you focus? Silence is golden for me."

🟒 Low Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Lurker #environment #focus
37

Learning by reading or listening - which is your preferred method?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning by reading or listening - which is your preferred method? Reading is my go-to."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #learning style #preferences
38

Reviewing notes weekly or right before the test - what is your habit?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Reviewing notes weekly or right before the test - what is your habit? I cram right before the test."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #study habits #test prep
39

Learning on your own or with a partner - which do you enjoy more?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Learning on your own or with a partner - which do you enjoy more? Partner learning is more fun."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #study style #preferences
40

Setting big goals or small milestones - how do you track progress?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Setting big goals or small milestones - how do you track progress? Small milestones for me."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Average #goals #motivation
41

Participating in class or listening quietly - which is your style?

πŸ’‘ Example: "Participating in class or listening quietly - which is your style? I prefer to listen."

🟑 Medium Engagement Barrier πŸ‘€ Irregular #learning style #participation

How to Use These Templates

Copy and paste any template into your community platform as a new post or discussion starter. Use them as icebreakers, quick engagement boosters, or transitions between more serious topics. Encourage members to explain their choices for extra interaction. Rotate prompts weekly or as needed to keep things fresh, and consider tagging users or using polls to increase participation.

Best Practices

  • Keep questions light and easy to answer in a few seconds.
  • Rotate topics between study habits, learning preferences, and fun facts.
  • Encourage members to elaborate on their choice for deeper conversation.
  • Avoid controversial or overly personal subjects.
  • Respond to member answers to show appreciation and keep threads active.

All Platforms Tips

Since these templates are for all platforms, adapt the format to suit your space. Use poll features where available, or post as text for open-ended responses. Pair with images, emojis, or GIFs to boost visibility and fun. On chat platforms, pin or highlight active This or That threads for easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use 'This or That' templates to facilitate discussions on learning styles (e.g., visual vs auditory learners)?

You can craft 'This or That' prompts that directly reference learning styles, such as 'Do you prefer learning with diagrams or through lectures?' This not only encourages self-reflection among members but also sparks discussion about how different approaches impact knowledge retention and classroom experiences.

What are effective ways to create 'This or That' posts around assessment types (formative vs summative) without alienating educators or learners?

Frame prompts neutrally and contextually, such as 'Which helps you more: quick quizzes (formative) or end-of-unit tests (summative)?' This allows members to share perspectives on assessment efficacy, while reinforcing the importance of both in the learning process. Avoid framing one as superior to prevent bias.

Can 'This or That' templates be used to compare pedagogical approaches like project-based learning vs direct instruction?

Absolutely. Try prompts like 'Do you remember more from hands-on projects or structured lectures?' Such questions invite educators and learners to reflect on pedagogical effectiveness, fostering rich conversations on instructional methods and their real-world classroom impacts.

How do I design 'This or That' questions that engage both K-12 and higher education community members around curriculum topics?

Use universally relevant curriculum scenarios, such as 'Do you learn more from group discussions or independent study sessions?' Tailor follow-up commentary to highlight differences and similarities in how these approaches are implemented across educational levels, encouraging cross-segment dialogue.

What strategies work best for using 'This or That' templates to explore technology integration in learning environments (e.g., e-learning platforms vs traditional textbooks)?

Pose prompts like 'Do you prefer digital interactive lessons or printed textbooks?' and include context or examples from your community (e.g., LMS use, flipped classrooms). This not only sparks debate but also surfaces practical challenges and benefits from members’ diverse experiences with edtech.

How can I use 'This or That' posts to address differentiated instruction without oversimplifying learner needs?

Create nuanced prompts such as 'Would you rather have extra practice activities or accelerated projects?' and encourage members to elaborate on how these supports meet varying learner profiles. This approach respects the complexity of differentiated instruction while making the topic accessible and engaging.

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