I have found that I can not be too judgmental of student responses to questions in class. I try to find something good from each student response or try to build on student ideas. That builds trust and sometimes will encourage non-responsive students to come out of their shells.
I found that most students did not respond to questions. Then I got some questions with four possible answers. These were shown on the screen (as ppt slides), and the student response was quite good. After each answer, specially the incorrect ones, I discussed the theory behind the question, so that the students could evolve the correct answer. I also found that smaller classes has better response.
Hi Lydia, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, having students work in small groups does really encourage the shy students to participate. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Diane that always works for me also. When I get them on a locally news topic or something they can all relate to the subject in class everyone is always willing to participate. I think it bring out what they have been learning in class without picking on anyone in paticular.
I have my students to work in groups like a game when I have noticed that some students do not want to answer questions. By putting them with more talkative students they have been more will ing to open up since they are assured they on the right track of answering the question correctly.
A lot of my students are very quiet in class and often only three students do most of the q&a, so I let the people who usually answer, answer, and then I say, how about we hear something from our quieter folks. And I continue with that until all of the quieter students have answered the question. It gets them thinking because they know that they are going to eventually be asked to participate in the discussion questions... which are usually what they think about something so it is not a right or wrong answer situation.
I try and use verbal games to get everyone in the class involved.
Questioning can be tricky depending on the makeup of the group in front of you. However, I tell students straigh out that there is no "dumb" question. I also tell students that it is okay to give an "incorrect answer". I never say "wrong" as it breeds the conotation that they are not smart enough to know the answer. I tell them that incorrect answers are okay, because it helps me to see what their understanding is of the subject and it helps me to assist them to a better answer.
Hi Carolyn, This is a good activity because it gives every student the chance to discuss their own answer within the small group before presenting it to the class as a whole. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Cynthia, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that working in groups is often the best way to get shy students involved. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I design individual group sessions and each group is given a question and each individual in the group has to present their answer as well as a collective answer from the group.
I have tried many ways of getting the shy student to interact with the rest of the class. One way that seems to involve everyone is to make a game that gives the class time to discuss the question in a group then they all get to have their imput by answering as a group and not being singled out.
i ask the whole class a question and that way no student wont feel intimidated.After discussing the topic if a certain student didnt participate I ask if they understand the answer.
Hi Kenny, Thanks for sharing a good technique to get everyone into the "game" ! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I use an exit strategy that involves the entire class. At the end of each class, I ask questions and students are allowed to choose the question they would like to answer. After each student has successfully answered a question, he/she may leave. The students usually stay and encourage each other. If a student is having difficulty with the material, I will allow that student to choose a topic we covered, and I will present another question.
To encourage students to participate, I play a poker game. When a student participates, they are able to pick a card from the deck. At the end of the week, the 3 students that make the best poker hand from the cards they got, win a small prize. It really works to get everyone to participate in class, because the more they participate, the more cards they get, and the better chance they have of getting a prize at the end of the week.
Hi Lauren, I really like that idea! Students will also certainly do their work if they know they will be reporting in the morning. Susan
Susan Polick
HI Albert, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are running a very interactive classroom which definitely takes experience!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I will find topics that are interesting to them through their writings and when I discuss those topics usually they will join in. I also will assign each student their own section of a chapter or their own review question that only they will answer and then ask them to share. It is much easier for them to discuss knowing that none of the other students knows their question or answer, they are kind of like the SME.
To get students more involved, I break them up into small groups. I then keep rotating to different groups to provide answers. This way no one group is answering all of the questions.
