Always have them come to class with something relating to the subject that really helps with class participation.
Because I have taken the time to get to know the students in previous class sessions, I use the opportunity to engage the students to participate by bringing in their life experiences as they relate to the material at hand. It has been highly effective in getting others to participate as well.
I have tried both asking individual questions to students and asking general questions to the class and I seem to have better luck asking the entire class. Usually students that arent afraid to answer jump right on the answers and there isnt anyone left "feeling dumb".
Hi Myrna- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, linking the concepts we are teaching to current events make them more relevant to our students! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi William- Thanks for your post to the forum. Students do tend to relax more in small groups. By varying the composition of those groups throughout the class, the students gradually feel comfortable with the majority of the class. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Gretchen- Thanks for your post to the forum. Ice breakers like the one you describe can indeed be very effective. The purpose of course is just to get folks more comfortable talking with each other. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Charles-Thanks for your post to the forum. I really like your idea of inserting your students into your hypotheticals. They already have a connection with each other and so view that person as a "real person" which will enable them to think through that situation in the same way that they would need to when faced with a "real customer". Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Melissa- Thanks for your post to the forum. Thanks an effective way to decide where to concentrate your efforts in your classes. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I create a scheme where I use the students in the hypo. For example Carolyn comes into your office and needs and answer to should she do 'x'. what do you say to her? they seem willing to respond then to their peer...more like an obligation to answer.
In one of my classes, I was having a hard time getting class participation. Being that these students will be working with patients, I had them think of something they do for a hobby or past work experience. Then I had the other students ask them questions to try and figure out their "secret".
The purpose of this was to have the students get to know each other and get used to talking in class. This was a very successfule experiment.
Education wise, they learned sometimes you need to ask questions in many different ways to get the "patient" to open up to you.
I often use group discussions. I will break up the class in small groups and later ask each leader for what conclusion the group came up with. This helps shy students open up more.
Many times when the class is not very "interested" in the particular topic, trying to add something relevant in current events help the discussion become more lively.
What has worked for me in the past is I give them a few questions prior to the lesson (like a pre-test) to see where they are at and what they know of the material. And than after the lesson I will have more questions to ask them (like a post-test) to see if they learned anything or what we need to go over more so they understand it.
Hi Jong- Yes, students always enjoy being able to relate what they are learning to their own experiences. It makes for some great classroom discussions! Susan
I teach IT students. I find questions regarding to the real world enviroment are great. Each student is intrigued and wants to know more. Usually one student will start with a story and it flourishes from there. Ask them something they are interested in.
Using Case Scenarios and asking questions off of that. They have to take what they have learned in class and apply that knowledge. It not only gets them to answer questions, but it also gets them to ask more questions. In the end, more students retain the information and they also become more excited about their career path because they can actually see why it is important to learn this information.
Allina
I often try to vary the types and style of questions asked in class.
Hi Daniel- When students relate the concept at hand to experiences that they or others have had, they also are better able to retain the concept because they have made a connection. Susan
I like to bring in life situations with my questions. This seems to make the material more practical and students can then use their experience to help with their answers
Hi Nancy- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, asking students to discuss a topic based on their own experience is really effective!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
