Involving all students in questioning sessions
What are some strategies to use to get the non-responsive students involved in the question-and-answer sessions?
Hi Anthony, Thanks for your post to the forum. That's a great strategy for questioning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I give that student a question I know that they can answer then build off the the previus question
If you ask more than one student to answer a question, non-responsive student may be able to get involved into the dicsussion.
Hi Larry, Thankd for your post to the forum. You are really running anb active learning classroom! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Kenneth, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are obviously an empathethic instructor! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Susan Polick
Being in the HVAC/R field, almost allways the students has had some sort of issue with an air contioning system or knows someone who has. That usally opens the door for the student to get comfortable with a discussion.
Now the trick is to tag that discussion to to question originally ask, then before you know it they run with it. Then I kind of steer the group in the direction of the course discussion. Makes for a fun class. I have not yet had a student that was dissapointed in that type class session, however, always leave yourself a respectable door to leave and exit to another discussion.
It starts with a learning environment and the instructors effort to get to know the students. Getting the student roster, knowing their backgrounds and showing up early to the class to meet with them will help stimulate student participation.
This also offers an opportunity to challenge those students who may not be participating at a desirable level to have that one on oned discussion.
I like to use the "go in order" method. I put the questions we are reviewing on the screen. Then start on one side of the room and each student will have a chance to answer a question. It keeps everyone focused because they know everyone will take a turn and they can read ahead to prepare for their question when they are next.
Hi William, Yes, taking the time to get to know our students and even jotting down some details is always worthwhile. Best wishes ! Susan
Susan Polick
Having been one of the non-responsive students myself, I can say that a method that worked on me is when an Instructor made a special effort to get to know me personally and ask questions pertinent to my own experiences.
Hi Richard, That is such a great technique. All it takes is being very aware and empathetic. Susan
Susan Polick
I often look for a particular skill or interest that a student may have demonstrated or remarked about and call upon them when I know they have a great interest in the subject matter. I find that once you break the ice even the most timid students can join the group discussion.
Hi Karen, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - almost all of my students get involved when we play a game in class. Me too! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Ivan, Good suggestions to get questioning going! Susan
Susan Polick
i have found that using games like jeopordy and hangman you give all the students a chance to answer questions that they might not othewise ask or answer.
Tease your audience with a list of topics, preferably somewhat controversial, that you hope will snag a listener’s interest. Simply ask for any questions about topics A, B, or C. The more controversial the subject, the more likely you are to get a question. Make certain, though, that you’re prepared to handle each item you offer as bait.
Hi Melissa, Thanks for your post to the forum. I love the "question stick" idea! Thanks for sharing! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I have question sticks. Each stick has a student name on it. I draw the stick out the cup. The student can pass 1 time during the day, but will be called upon again.
- When a student answers wrong, I ask them why they came up with their question and redirect their thinking process versus just say it is in correct.
- Students know to pay attention because they could be called upon at anytime.
I always try to incorporate things from daily live in with the subject and see how they respond to it. If we are talking a about a medical subject I ask if any of them are familar with this subject and let them tell me what they know about it. Some times they are misconceptions but that too I feel helps them learn because if they have that misconception the patients that they need to teach about it that subject might also. It allows them to tell me what they know plus keeping them engaged.
