Becoming self-directed learners through questioning
How can the use of questioning help students to become self-directed learners?
I will be incorporating 5 - 6 "pivotal" questions as I prepare for my classes. Think this is important in developing self-directed learners and creating a "learning chain" most successfully. Thanks for idea!
This will make the students figure out the answer themselves. They will need to this in their career, we cannot be there to give them the answer.
The art of questioning provokes getting answers to the questions asked. A student who is curious to know more about "Ebola Virus", for example, may want to know What Ebola is. What causes it? How can someone contact "Ebola"? Why is the virus named "Ebola"? Can it be treated? What is the incubation period? Is it airborne? What are the symptoms? and so on. While trying to get answers to these questions, A student employs several resources to get answers to the questions. The student may use the dictionary, medical dictionaries/literature, authorities in the medical field and current write-ups and broadcasts on Ebola. The student researches these by himself or herself. As the student gets answers to the questions, he or she has become a self-directed learner.
Hi Karen, Thanks for your post to the forum. I also agree that unless students can "apply" what we are teaching they are not really "learning". Employers tell us that they are seeking candidates who can use those critical thinking skills. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I also find it useful/helpful to ask them "why?" about their answer, or ask them how they arrived at their answer. Putting those reasons/thoughts into words can be challenging an can also expose areas that need to be reinforced. (They have memorized something, but cannot apply or analyze it or understand its significance.)
I agree with Rachel's comment about the additional challenges inherent in accelerated programs. We "dump" a lot of information on them and expect them to use that information several months later. Questioning on an ongoing basis really helps them integrate the data and utilize it down the road.
I believe it allows the student a chance to use their critical thinking skills by processing and even instructing the topic of discussion.
I use open ended questions with positive feedback.
BY ASKING QUESTIONS I DETERMINE IF THE GROUP IS CLEAR ON THE INFORMATION I WANT TO DELIVER .
IT IS IMPORTANT TO ASK TRICKY QUESTION THAT ASSURE THE STUDENTS ABOUT ONE TOPIC
Hi Holli, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it is important that we encourage our students to use critical thinking skills to move beyond mere memorization. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
In asking and answering (epsecially open-ended) questions, students become active learners. Passive learning is less effective in the development of creative individuals. The act of creativity is required to develop and / or answer thought-provoking questions. Self-direction is built into creativity.
When questioning creates a "safe" and encouraging environment it engages the student to seek out answers, think, and reply.
It is important that students learn that having "questions" does not mean they are "stupid", as many students feel this way. We need to show them that by having questions they are learning and that they can find answers through questioning.
Hi Salina, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, questioning requires students to process and apply what they are learning. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Questioning student become self-directed learners because it forces them to think, it re-introduces the material that was just taught, and it gives them an opportunity to participate.
Hi Jelitza, Thanks for your post to the forum. Asking students to question helps them develop critical thinking skills which are crucial in the workplace. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
As the instructor, you can model for students how questioning can help. You can teach them to find the important points, the 'aha' moments, and the changes in approach of the story or text, so that they learn to STOP and QUESTION the text.
This can help them become strategic readers and learners.
Force the students to make their own conclusions. Direct them to the right answer without telling them directly and they will have a much better chance of retaining that information.
i also like this concept in encouraging the student to dig deeper into their learning experience.It gets them excited about their topic of question.
Hi Grant, I would say that we finally had a population of critical thinking! http://www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury/factsheets_reports.html
Susan Polick
