Hi Lisa, Excellent techniques for active learning! Susan
Susan Polick
i have found that asking leading questions allows the students time to think and they can build upon the question with the correct answer.
do it in game format wherein students will be divided into groups and which ever group gets the most question answered correctly will be given extra points. This encourages team work.
I think that you always need to have open ended questions for each class because this gives the student an oppurtunity to voice whatever they think of the topic and it makes things more engaging for the entire class because it is not just a yes or no question.
I think that asking yes and no questions help some students feel comfortable with answering questions.
I ask a variation of "how does this relate to what you have been through". This really helps students in Career Management courses see how their past experiences relate to future career goals.
I give a case study- a live one, something that really happened and ask there opinions on the topic.. what would you have done, was it fair the way that person was treated, what could have been done to prevent it.. i sometime do role play..
These are all good ideas that I will bring to my classroom!
Hi Felecia, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that it is valuable to share our own take on answers before we give the "stock" book answer. Also, taking the time to relate the question/topic to our personal experience can demonstrate the relevancy. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Sandra, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - small group discussions can be very valuable especially for those not inclined to participate. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Joel, Thanks for your post to the forum. I also especially like to use brainstorming. It provides a non-intimidating mode for the shy students and really encourages interactivity. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Linda, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, if we are looking for discussion, open ended questions are the way to go!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I like to have them write their thoughts/answers down first, and then tell them we will discuss them out loud. It allows them to be open, at least with themselves, they can process, and then discuss.
Like most folks I like open ended questions. There is something I did notice though when it comes to getting students involved, you have to make them feel comfortable. I also work hard at drawing them into the questioning and answering session by asking a question and telling them what I thought before reading the book answer or even speaking about a passion for a particular subject.
I ask students to volunteer to summarize a concept before moving on. I ask specifc questions to students regarding the subject taught. I ask students to come up and write down the main ideas found in the lesson.
To get students more involved I come from the point that no questions are stupid. Also, I break the students into groups to have small discussions and a leader report back to the groups. This definitely helps out with students that are very shy to participate in a large group setting.
I used open ended questions with good results , plus brain storming , and all the students adding new comments to the subject in the board.
one method i use is to talk about the subject, then asking questions about specifics. So if i am talking about emergency medicines, i'll ask what are some of the medications that can be used for a specific condtion, such as to prevent heart failure
I think open ended questions are good you ask tthe questions but I start the sentence and then stop in the middle and let the student finish
Hi Stephen, Thanks for your post to the forum. Great idea for creating discussion by using a creatively designed quiz! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
