Student Participation
In a classroom, I like to ask open ended questions as well as ask specific questions about a certain concept we are covering at that time. When working in the classroom, I can take a check of the classroom and see if students understand the material by the look on their faces. If I see the “deer in the headlights†look, I know I need to go back and go over concepts and ask specific questions about why things are not making sense.
In an online forum, I use specific questions and real life examples to get students to think about the concepts being taught in the classroom. I also have a broad post for students to post specific questions about homework concepts. However, I do not get the response I would like from this type of post. A lot of the times students ask questions as they are submitting the homework assignment for grading without utilizing this discussion thread. How could I get more response from this post in the online discussion and not have students ask questions when submitting homework (when it is too late)?
Hi Hikmat- Thanks for your post to the forum. I really liked your description of having students read questions with a pencil in hand! I agree, too often students do a quick glance at a question and answer without really thinking the question through. This is often the case with students who say "I don't test well". Best wishes for continued sucess in your teaching career. Susan
helping graduate students do teir assignments in various business subjects,revealed that most students are intimidated by the questions asked.
When asked did you read the question ,most would say yes many times.
When asked did you read it with a pencil,they asked how?
most of the time transcribing the information on paper and separating the:
-the situation on hand.
-the given information pertinent to the situation.
-and the required demands using the supplied information relavent to the situation on hand.
Will trigger teir understanding of the issue at hand .
Most students cannot read or impatient,looking for an instant answer.
Hi Joe- If ONLY I had a good answer to your question about how to get students to ask questions before they are already submitting assignments. We have tried requiring posts on line by the third day of the week that actual assignments are due at the end of the week. But it often seems that the questions don't arise until they are actually doing the assignment which unfortunately is often hours( if not minutes!) before it is due. Please let me know if you ever find a solution ( You will make millions!) Best wishes- Susan
