The students know that at the end of a major topic we will play a game of jeopardy (which of course makes them ask a question to the answer given)They are rewarded with extra credit points which encourages them to participate...however during my instructional time I will interject questions that they will see again on the jeopardy game...so they must listen, participate and they enjoy answering question that I ask...also leading them to ask futher questions on the different subjects. It is a lot of fun.
Hi Tanya, Wow - great techniques for facilitating questioning! Thanks for sharing. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I try to give my students a clue regarding the kind of response that I am expecting. I also make sure that I give them a minute to write their thoughts before anyone is called upon to prevent 'surprising' a student. I will often break my students into small groups to discuss the answer, then bring them back to the whole group. I always arrive early to class and chat with students informally to help them feel more comfortable. I also use non-verbal communication to invite the students to participate. For example, I often sit close to students, make eye contact with them individually, move around the room, or sit in different locations.
Hi Nick, Students do seem less self-concious submitting questions via text or email. As far as I am concerned - "Whatever works!"
Susan Polick
Great idea! I have done something similar to this except with email. I ask the students at the end of the day to please submit via email any questions or anything else they did not fully understand and I will be happy to go over it again. It does work with my students! I like this index card idea and will give it shot as I am curious if I will get more or less questions.
Hi John, Yes, I remember spending hours in the library also! Things have indeed changed immensely! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
in the new world technology (smart phones)all questions are answered on the spot. I missed the Question in the last quiz about gettin back to ya.
that answer is so last millenium.
I challenage the students to answer all questions with everything you have available,I/we used to have to go to the library.
I often bounce questions back and forth to other students and get a rally going. I find more students participate more and get involved in the discussion. Sometimes answers to questions I didn't even think of come up and are discussed and answered.
Hi Kristopher, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is certainly the recipe for a participative classroom! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Having good rapport, making the students feel comfortable in their environment, and consistently sticking to active learning techniques seems to be a great combination that helps foster participation.
I like to question the students at the end of each lecture to reinforce the thoughts for the day
I use questions that would possibly come out on test so they are attentive and know what to expect on there quiz.
I really like the 'index card technique'. It almost guarantees no question will be left unanswered for a student.
Hi Tiana, Students do really enjoy talking about their own relevant experiences and in doing so, increase their retention. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I will often ask students questions that help them relate a topic to something in their world. I will invite them to share relevant experiences and then myself and other students can ask them questions.
Hi Sherri, Thanks for sharing a great idea for involving students in the assessment process. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think the index card idea is fantastic! It is a great review for the class as well as the instructor (on how well they presented). I have students each write 3 potential quiz questions. The students who questions get selected not only gets a little extra credit, but definitely knows the answer to that question on the exam! It helps the students to practice creating quality questions, as well as identifying answers.
For me it is planting the seed early that I will offer points for questions.
Before a lecture I go over the objectives and during the lectures I ask what the objectives were and see how they answer.
Hi Rebecca, That's a great idea! Much less stress on the "shy" student.
Susan Polick
