May I side-step this question to ask a related one? How do you get a particularly bright and motivated student to NOT answer the questions so that others may participate? When I pause to let the class think about an answer after I ask a question, the answer is frequently given by this student. Consequently, the others in the class just wait for her to answer.
always keep with open ended questions to create more thinking on a topic
Hi Tim - Welcome to ED 103! I agree- students almost always enjoy the opportunity to share some of their own experiences and when doing so may see the connection with what we are teaching them. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Hi LeeAnn - I like your idea a lot. You are asking your students to use higher order reasoning to use what they have learned to apply it in another context. Best wishes - Susan
Students tend to avoid participating in classroom discussions as a rule, but I've found that using real life scenarios or even a personal experience helps to draw them in to the discussion. Most of us have had similar life experiences which, although may not be exactly the same, can be used to engage the student and help to "kick start" the thinking process.
I like to ask a lot of open ended questions - not just yes or no answers.
By bringing in articles on current events and asking the students how the topic pertains to our course content.
ask them what they did today and what impact it had on their life
Hi Larry - By asking questions about material they most likely already know you encourage your students to relax when being assessed. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
not using open ended questions , by singling them out you can get a better feel for how much the student has retained
Drawing on the experiences and knowledge thaey recieved in a previous class. I find this re-emphasizes what they should know and then it is easier to tie it into the material being presented in the current class
I technique that I use is working problems on the board during class to gain participation from all of the students.
I use more case studies when assigning homework and that tends to get the students involved in future work.
HI Ian - Welcome to ED 103! You are ensuring that your students particpate in active learning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Wendy - Welcome to ED 103! It is always a fine balancing act when we strive to get students to answer questions/participate and also not embarrass them. From what your post describes you have it fine tuned! Best wishes for continued sucess in your teaching career!
Susan
Longer pauses after a question where someone needs to break the uncomfortable silence .Also asking the same question differently giving a little help.
I DO call on students but if they don't know the answer, I ask for someone else to help them out...and then I go back to the one I called on first when I know it's an easy answer so the student can be successful. I try not to make the student feel bad and yet I do want them to know that they can be called on at any time. Perhaps they'll be a bit more prepared the next time!
I present students with scenarios and then ask them to reflect on the situation. I draw off of current topics to get them interested. I start off with more obvious answers to build up their self confidence in answering questions in the classroom.
Hi Clarence - I like your idea of asking the students to give the steps as you demo. It keeps them focused and requires that they think analytically. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
when doing a demo asking the students what the next step would be
