During my lectures I make it a point to ask open ended questions throughout that are specific and focused. Usually, my students will be encouraged to participate by each other's responses but I make note of the loafers and then direct a question to them as a follow up. I will usually ask them if they agree or not and why.
I use many differnt techniques to engage students. One is the use of tone, eye contact, and gestures -- to add impact to a question or to respond to a question. Do whatever it takes.
1. ask questions that the students are interested in
2. ask questions that the students can answer
3. aks questions that can help the students in reaching their main goal, that is, to learn the material
4. ask non-standard questions that most people think they know how to answer, and yet that would be the wrong answer
5. ask rethorical questions
Hi Jennifer- thanks for your post to the forum. The "moving around the classroom technique" is something we are sure to teach to our new instructors. As you mention, it makes sure that all students are participating! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Sherrie- Thanks for your post to the forum. Your questioning strategies are exceptional! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I try to get my questions or a student's question turned into a discussion. By knowing what type of experience each student brings into the classroom I may have a particular student answer another student's question or respond to an answer to one of my qestions. I then try to moderate the conversation and keep it going with more questions.
I find it very interesting in the getting the students involved in answering questions and participation
I start by inviting students to think before I start the question, putting them on notice that I will be asking questions and recieving input.
Additionally, I make the question relevant to information that students seem to be interesting in. While the text book may use one example I tend to find other examples that has some importance to the student. Finally, I dont always accept the first correct answer but challenge other students to see if they may have other answers or understanding that may not have been expressed.
HI James - Thanks for your post to the forum. Students do seem to enjoy case studies and I believe that by applying knowledge to case studies their retention increases. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I find that case studies are an excellent way to start conversation while demonstarting main points from a topic area. They allow for me to gauge student understanding and foster connection between learners in the classroom.
First, I inform students that I encourage questions, no matter how "stupid" the student may think it is. I don't believe there are stupid questions, as all questions are an attempt to gain information. Then I ask open-ended questions when I want a variety of responses. If I want a specific response I will ask close-ended questions.
I encourage "stump the teacher" questions as a game with my students because I believe it encourages them to ask and not be afraid of not knowing the answer.If I can say "I don't know" without being embarassed, it makes the learning experience fun for me and my students, as I reward the students who can find the answer and report to the rest of the class.
Hi James - I really like your Courtroom scenario questioning strategy. Active learning and critical thinking at their best! Susan
Hi - Thanks for your post to the forum. The less threatening we can make questioning- the better!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi John - Thanks for your post to the forum. Your scenario idea is great as it will require students to use critical thinking skills! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Michelle - Sharing our field experience with students is terrific. Asking them to then apply critical thinking skills to what we have related is ideal! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
In order to get full class participation, I find it necessary to take my walk around the room. When I have a large class, students in the back often feel they do not need to contribute to the discussions. However when I walk to the back of the room and look directly at those students, they often will contribute more than usual. They look a little surprised at first, but midway through the semester my students have learned that sitting in the back of the class does not get one a free pass to only observe.
Jen
When I've asked a question about a subject and get a wrong anwer I've asked if anyone has a different answer. And then ask if for respons.
Seems like this realy can open up some discussion.
Knowing your students background is important because you can ask questions that are related to their field. This is an effective way to get students to feel comfortable enough to participate.
I get my students to participate by asking "what do you think...." or I will ask a question and give several answers and take a poll as to how many think which one is the right answer. I might also try to get students involved by asking the question and then giving some crazy answer and see if anyone agrees and then when they disagree ask them why.
I have found that asking seemingly silly questions that are not threatening at all is a good way to get students talking. Once they see that they can survive answering questions in class whether they are right or wrong, they are more likely to tackle more difficult questions later.
