A big facture has been the use of technology as a learning tool/game. Students will participate if the appropriate technology is used at their particular level..
Many times I'll ask a student, "If you were writing a test on this chapter, what important questions would you ask?"
This allows me to understand EXACTLY what concepts are being understood and which are not. Students really appreciate this exercise and many times I'll include actual student questions in my assessments.
Al D'Addario
I have used open ended questions such as, So tell me what do you think about... or If you were the patient how would that make you feel... I've also used redirection to other students, especially if I have the same students always answering the questions. I'll redirect to other students that don't routinely participate in class discussions. This also gives me a guage as to what those students actually know about the subject.
I use open ended questions and pause for answers. Usually one student answers which starts the rest of the class in joining the conversation. I listen to what is being said and discusss points be brought up. This encourages the students to listen to each other as well as the class content.
I also use open ended questions and try to do group discussion to start out with until the class gets comfortable with me and their fellow classmates
Hi Ed - Thanks for sharing a graet example of having your students use critical thinking skills!
Best wishes- susan
Hi Gil - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are obviously attuned to your students! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Theresa- Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, scenario based assessments get students to use critical thinking skills and will prepare them for the situations that they will face in their careers. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Laura- Thanks for your post to the forum. I like your interactive questioning approach!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to try to get students to relate to something they have seen or experienced in "real life."
I usually anwer their question with an open-ended question and make them use their critical thinking. It works and they feel better because eventhough you are helping them they like to see that they were able to figure it out.
Scenerio based questions work for me. The entire class gets involved.
I have found that students that are new to group discussions feel most comfortable participating after lesson or unit reviews. When the students feel they have a better grasp on key concepts, I find it easier to guide them through more critical thinking concepts and we have a much more productive discussion.
I teach Graphic Design and my "discussions" are critiques of each students' work. After each Project is put on the server (Example: InDesign (Page Layout Software) a Project is not finished until the student preflight’s, packages (collect fonts and images) and exports a Press-Ready PDF).
I will either have them output (print) their project or I will use an overhead projector to display each completed project. I have critique sheets for each student to complete for each project that is presented.
Each class that I teach, I always tell my students that "they have their own opinion and can either like or dislike any and all things that they see."
BUT, it isn't good enough to just say "I don't like it" or "I like it."
The learning experience only occurs when they understand and can explain WHY!
I have been in the graphic design, advertising, publishing and prepress/print production field for over 47 years. (Yes, I am a senior.)
The experiences that make the biggest impression are the times that each student has that moment of recognition. They "get it."
Ned
One of the ways that i have used in the past is to create teams in the class and the team with the most correct responces receive credits on the next quiz.
open and close ended questions.
Hi Maritza- Thanks for your post to the forum. You have a good questioning technique! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Lev- Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing some great questioning ideas! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Sometimes I ask a question out loud and, if no students respond, I answer my own question with an obviously incorrect answer. This usually results in several students wanting to state the correct response and ultimately greater overall participation by the class.
