I let them know that there are no dumb questions and they should always feel free to ask a question. I also play games where that have to answer questions, but let them know that if they don't know the answer that it can become a team question.
Hi Alexcia, Yes, being asked to just add a point is less scary than being answered to directly answer a question. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Liset, Yes, the shy students often feel more comfortable when particpating as a part of a small group. Good strategy! Best wishes for contnued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
You can always after one student has answered, to see if the others have something they would like to add. It gives them an opportunity rather than them being to shy to answer on their own. It may give them a push.
There are timid to which students do not like to participate with direct questions, so often team up on the classroom and give them the task of leading the team and make conclusions if they agree, helps them overcome fear and overcome obstacles
I myself have ask another students if they had any thing to add to the answer, but I will try your line I like it
Always acknowledge a students response in a positve manner.
Calling on students by name can be tricky. However, I try to determine by eye contact whether a non-responsive student may be open to answering the question, then I usually see that they're comfortable with being referred to by name.
Hi Cynthia, Thanks for your post to the forum. I especially like the idea of reviewing questions that were sent via email. Students often have the same questions. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Carrie, Using games in class is almost always a really fun and positive experience for students. Susan
Susan Polick
I employ two strategies for asking questions and engaging students. The first strategy centers on building multiple choice question pods that prompts the class (as a collective unit) to respond to questions. After each question, we take the time to explore the answers and then prompt more responses from students. This technique has been very successful in helping students to apply the concepts covered in the class. A second strategy that I use is at the beginning of class, I do a quick recap of the last lecture and then answer outstanding questions that were presented via email. Presenting and then answering outstanding questions at the beginning of class sets the tone for asking questions and prompts participation during the current lecture.
I have created a game for one of my classes. The class is divided into 3 groups and each has a buzzer. Each student is required to give an answer before they can answer a second time for their group. It takes the fear away of answering wrong to be able to discuss the answer with the group before a final answer is given.
I have found that this game instills confidence in the students to answer questions because they have the support of the entire group.
Strategies I use to get the non-responsive students involved include setting the expectation that every student will participate in classroom discussion. This is supported by having each student create a name tag, which is displayed during class time. It is way for every student to be called upon on a first name basis.
One way I like to involve the students is starting off the class with a very easy question for all my students to answer. This helps the students get comfortable with answer questions. So when a question comes up that is on topic they are not as afraid to voice there opinion. I also will ask the students that are sitting quiet to voice their opinion by simply asking them if they agree or disagree then asking if they could expand on that.
To have full class participation, the strategy I've used in the past is games. During previous games I would divide the class into teams. However, I realized not all students would participate and even though the shy students knew the answers they would rely on the more outgoing students. Now when I have class room games I no longer have the class divide into team, they all answers questions individually.
Once calling on a student to answer a question make sure he/she is given the student time to reply and give attention to his/her response
Hi John, That's really good advice to give your students - thanks for sharing! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Rolando, Thanks for your post to the forum. Students do enjoy working in groups and the environment can feel more comfortable than asking individual students questions. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi George, Thanks for sharing a very useful idea! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
This is a good way, but try to include those shy ones by just asking them a yes or no question to start with.
