I have used the technique of, when a student responds to a question and has not completely answered it, asking if any other student would like to add to the answer. This opens up to some great dialogue which includes the student's life experiences.
Hi Stacy - I like the idea of asking the question and then taking a moment to erase the board (or maybe write on the board?) it gives increased wait time without the long awkward silence. Susan
Hi Bruce - I like that technique also. It takes learning up a level by allowing them to apply what they have learned. This will also result in better retention. Best wishes - Susan
I find that sometimes my class has difficulty picking up some of the information, so I'll ask the same question repetitively, just re-worded, throughout the course. That way they begin to understand the information without having to memorize it on a piece of paper.
I like to introduce scenarios and then ask the students how they would respond to the scenario.
Some questioning techniques that I use that work are to ask the question first, then use the student's name and allow wait time for the class to think about the answer before I call on anyone or ask for volunteers. Also, I ask a question right before I erase the board, so while my back is to the class, they have something to think about.
Hi Gena - Great idea - I am often tested in my home baking to adjust recipes mathematically. You are giving your students a skill that will be used throughout their careers! Best wishes- Susan
Hi David - Depending on the complexity of the question, I recommend 5 to 10 seconds of wait time. Best wishes for coninued success in your teaching career! Susan
Hi Keith - I think that's a great way to accomodate your students personalities while still pushing them to be involved in the class - well done! Best wishes - Susan
Hi Erin - Welcome to ED 103! A very creative idea - I love the "Fishbowl"! There really is nothing better than finding ways to get our students engaged and excited - best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Hi Rick - Welcome to ED 103! Do you find that you sometimes get the same few students answering all the questions? How do you handle that!Best wishes - Susan
I find that having back up questions prepared is essential.
I like to ask the question of the entire group then pause, If I get a response we discuss the response. If I do not get a response I then ask help from students by name. I spread the questions around so each student gets a fair opportunity. If the student asked has trouble with the question I than asked alternative students the same question. It seems to get the students involved.
I have used several techniques. I really love the idea of student-generated questions and leading discussion from there. After every homework reading, I have students either write three discussion questions that they thought of based on the readings or write a "warehouse"--a bullet point paper of ideas and thoughts that enter the mind before, during and after the reading (the choice of method depends on the type of class and reading). A few students are selected to share his or her responses and class discussion builds form there.
Another technique I like to use is "the fishbowl". This is best for lengthy readings that stretch over more than one class meeting. About 5-7 students prepare to lead class discussion based on the previous night's reading. We arrange our seats so that the discussion leaders sit in a circle facing each other as the rest of the class form a larger circle around them. The discussion leaders have a back and forth discussion about the reading as the rest of the class listens in and takes notes. After the discussion peters out, we return to large group discussion to add to what the fishbowl said.
Students really respond to these as great alternatives and changes of pace instead of the usual instructor-lead discussions.
There are types of students extroverts and introverts. I use the extroverts at the chalk board and then call on the introverts to critique the answers from their chairs since they won't go to the board. We have a good time playing this game.
what is a fair amount of time to wait.
Questioning techniques that have proven to be successful in my class discussions include ensuring that the question asked is specific and clear, and allowing sufficient wait time for an answer.
Students get tired of hearing us speak at them about a subject, questioning keeps them on their toes and keeps the brain stimulated. I try to teach bakers math making sure that all of the students have a calculator and asking them to answer the math question throughout the process.
Hi Francisco- Welcome to Ed 103! As instructors we do need to pull those shy/non-participating students into the class interaction. Of course they may not be immediately comfortable but our job is to pull them out of their comfort zones. Best wishes! Susan
Hi Kevin - a class that is excited by learning is a class that has a great instructor- congratulations! Best wishes - Susan
