Sometimes I will set the students up by giving them homework and tell them to be ready to discuss the topic in the next classroom. This lets the student know that they may be called on to answer one of my questions or that there will be an open discussion and they will be asked to participate. Also, I think if you let your students know that participation is being considered in their final grading of the class it predisposes them participating. Finally, if there is a topic I know I will cover in a future assessment, I like to throw an overarching question out there to get the class thinking. Then I guide the Q & A to cover the main learning objectives I have for the particular topic. I think this helps several different types of learners in the classroom and promotes active learning as well.
I try to learn my students names as soon as possible. I then incorporate the students (by name) into my lecture, so when I ask them a question it doesn't appear as though I am putting them on the spot. (More, incorporating them into lecture.) I will often ask an open ended questions that I can solicit further response from other students. This gives many students the opportunity to contribute without feeling they are being singled out.
Hi Kathy - I like your idea of putting questions right into your Powerpoints. It serves as a break of sorts and gives you an idea of their comprehension. Thanks for sharing! Susan
I also find that real life exerience helps the student retain the material.
I agree. When they simple memorize the lesson for the test they don't retain it.
I build question into my powerpoint. This helps to student reflect on what I was teaching and helps me evaluate the students' uderstanding of topic presented.
I think it is important as instructors to reassure our students during the questioning process that it will be fine and provide them with guidance while they are making their final conclusions.
Also, an instructor must always praise the students and provide them with positive feedback.
One of my classes meets in the afternoon and it seems like they are all ready for bed ! If I can't get any responses, I will usually crack a joke and then rephrase the question and call on someone.
I definitely agree that the utilization of critical thinking skills puts the students in the proper positioning to prepare them for the "real world." Additionally, some students thrive on the opportunity to test out that particular skill set.
James
Hi James - Thanks for your post to the forum. I also use video clips when I can find relevant ones and have the same experience with my students. Isn't it great to be in this Information Age? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Heather - Thanks for your post to the forum. I liked your idea of the research questions which will put the students in a postion of confidence once the discussion begins. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Chris - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that asking questions post-lecture can be used to have students think through the material they have just learned. This use of critical thinking about that material will increase their retention of the material as well as their ability to apply it. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
critical thinking questions on the material just delivered. It forces them to recal the lecture
Depending on the subject, sometimes I ask them to share (if they desire) or I will share information I have experience in. This often times, will bring up a lot of discussion. Sometimes I create a list of questions to research and we will share in class by doing a group discussion.
This is most definitely a weak point of mine, and that concerns me a lot. I want the students to really think, but I often get a bunch of blank stares when I ask for participation. I think the techniques of having another student respond to what a first student has said, and asking how they would handle certain situations are good ideas.
I agree that open-ended questions are good ideas. Sometimes what I do to garner more participation is to show a short video clip that also poses the same or similar question. After the clip is complete I give the students a few moments to think about what occurred in the video. After that, I can then go on to the question and I tend to garner more responses from the students. I think it may have something to do with this being the information age and the fact that the video clips give them something to relate to.
James
Hi Kathleen - Thanks for sharing an extremely intgeresting exercise! ( Probably even more significant after the events in Japan.... )Best wishes- Susan
Hi Caro - Thanks for sharing a good idea for class participation! I enjoy them as well! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi David- Thanks for your post to the forum. Students do love when we incorporate games into our lessons - I enjoy them as well! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
We on occasion will have a questioning session like that of the game show Jepoardy and have teams that compete with each other. This involves every member as they must take turns to answer questions. Often the students develop the questions to ask and this increase the participation also.
