I agree with reinforcing homework with questions as it shows my expectations for learning and helps enhance the understanding amongst students hearing the answers.
HI Margie- Thanks for your post! As you describe we really best play a facilitator role in these discussions. Guiding at times but mostly letting the students lead the conversation. Best wishes - Susan
I love this as a means of stimulating critical thinking. I remind students of our "respect" ground rule for the classroom and then dive in. I ask questions of both sides, to elicit further clarification of their thoughts. It is so encouraging to see students engage in respectful debate, each presenting their perspective and really listening to ideas that do not match their own preconceived notions.
I like this approach. I don't usually call on students unless they volunteer, but with this approach, they've all had time to think about the question and formulate an answer. At that point everyone should have some kind of an answer to the question. Then even those who have anxiety about speaking in the group can usually be encouraged to share.
Hi John- Thanks for your post to the forum. You are really doing a great job at making your students feel comfortable in your classroom. Best wishes! Susan
Hi Catherine- Thanks for your post to the forum. Utilizing controversial topics to get the discussion going is usually a winner! Thanks for sharing. Best wishes- Susan
HI Kim - Thanks for your post. Your idea is really great because it gives students an opportunity to think through a response and it's so much easier to read one's response especially if the student is shy. Thanks for sharing! Susan
Hi Shannon- You are doing a great job at questioning! You are encoraging more particpation and also asking students to think more deeply. Best wishes - Susan
Kim,
I also find it helpful to have them discuss the answers in groups. I then ask for volunteers. It allows them to have group interaction.
Cathy
John,
It is an interesting approach. I never tried it. I will have to incorporate it into my class next week.
Thank you,
Cathy
When I ask questions, I often ask a question where there are many possible answers, and I explain that to them. (So, I am not looking for only 1 correct response.) And when students start raising their hands, I do NOT call on the first person who raises their hand. I wait until I get more hands raised. And sometimes I say, "Okay, lets hear from some who hasn't spoken yet today", etc. And I am always encouraging.
In online classes, I often say things like, "That is a great point. Anyone want to look up more details on this and share it with the class?" Or, "Nice, but has you all thought about this aspect of the question. . . "
I disguise the discussion as a short written assignment: "Take out a piece of paper and tell me about a time when (insert course content)happened to you or someone you know. Use 4-5 sentences." Then, I either ask for volunteers to share, call on a few students by name or by color they are wearing ("if you are wearing a blue shirt, you get to share today"), or pick them randomly from my roster by their number on the list.
Correct answers to questions about homework provides an opportunity for positive reinforcement of the learning as well as completion of the homework.
I often bring up a controversial topic and ask the students questions regarding the ethical issues. I then ask for other students to share their opinions. Sometimes it remains a question and answer session and other times it will lead to a debate. Questioning stimulates conversations and brings out various viewpoints. I find it engages the students and they learn rom the question and answer sessions.
Cathy
I think using a round robin technique and allowing students to pass works well. First, they write down a question and we then go around and each student reads their question. They can choose to pass if they want to. Takes more time, but gets questions out. I will sometimes allow small groups to post questions and this makes it less personal and the group comes up with questions.
Hi Carol- Your opening ploy certainly sends the right message to your students - you are open to their questions and comment - excellent! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to ask a base question and depending upon the response or lack of, prepare some kind of environmental analogy question to show some kind of parallel.
Hi Margie- Thanks for your post to the forum. I have also taught some less than popular subjects! I like your approach and wager that your students do as well. Best wishes for continued successin your teaching career. Susan
Hi Eva - thanks for your post to the forum. Particpating as a group really does make students relax. You also get a feeling for what they know and what might need more work. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Open-ended questions are useful for building discussion in the classroom. One technique I have used that is helpful is to ask students to ask questions that they think will be on the next test and then we answer it together as a class either by someone volunteering or looking the answer up in the book. This gives students an opportunity to ask questions about the material in a manner that reduces anxiety about the reaction of other students.
