Posing Questions
I have found that it is important to ask questions and wait for an answer, and then build on it. Using the student's response, I will ask the class in general, is this right? Sometimes I will make outrageous statements and ask the students, 'Is this right?' This engages them and with some humor tends to guide the discussion into why my provocative statement was wrong and what is the right answer. By my willingness to go out on a limb it encourages even the shyness or most uncertain students to participate in the discussion by relaxing the 'serious' mode of the learning environment.
Hi Carolyn - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, those "blank stares" always speak volumes!!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like forming questions because it allows me to evaluate how effective I am at communicating to the students what I need them to focus on. If they understand the question they will respond quickly, if they do not understand the question I get blank looks.
John, I couldn't agree with you more. I, too, use this same technique. My style is more of a humorous facilatator. I've gotten more responses from some of the most intravert of students when using this style. I've found that with the adult-student I get more feedback when I'm able to sway the conversation over into male-female relationship subject matter. That really awakens the level of responses.
