QtA (Questioning the Author)
QtA in literacy
After the teacher preps the text to identify points in the text that could be confusing or might deserve additional discussion, students read passages of the text. At pre-established points, critical thinking questions are presented to the students that ask them to determine what the author is trying to say, consider why the author would make the statement the way they did, and check for comprehension of the statements. The teacher facilitates student learning by adjusting and restating questions.
QtA in music
When working with music, the teacher can in advance identify spots that are either particularly challenging or present a key communicative concept of the piece. In programmatic works, this strategy is particularly useful as students can be asked about how the program is being advanced by the music. Conversations could also focus on the transformation of themes, the manipulation of established forms, and alteration of voicing and texture.