What are some good ways to get other students to answer?
Hi,
I typically teach small classes and as such they become well acquainted with each other. I have issues where other students always expect the one or two really knowledgeable students to answer. Any tips on preventing this?
ROBERT,
This is wonderful! Initially, I use the class roster to call students by names. I learn names quickly and I walk around the clasroom so they soon realize that I will call on them and they should be ready to respond.
Judy Mohammed
I use the class roster and a random number generator on the screen. This way I can call on a student, and after the student has correctly answered the question that student pushes a button that generates a number I count down the roster and that’s the student that gets to answer the next question. This makes it a game that the students look forward to. It’s really interesting when a student pushes the button and his number comes up again everyone has a good laugh.
This system insures that every student knows that they be called on to answer a question and that the instructor is not sticking to a certain group of students.
David,
This is very good advice. I do everything that you have listed. I tell the quiet students that reading is a good way to build participation points, and yes, I do give points for participation.
Judy Mohammed
Getting all students to participate is a universal dilemma for instructors. At the start of classes, you can call on students to respond, using the roster and giving that student some time to respond before opening up the question to the rest of the class. This brings a consciousness that you will be asking questions and calling on people by name, so everyone should be prepared. When posing questions, ask students to raise their hands so you can select a respondent. If the same students raise their hands, ask for those who have not yet responded. You can bring the quiet or hesitant students into the discussion by choosing less intimidating questions and calling them by name. Also encourage participation by asking students to read short passages.
Philippe,
These are very good techniques. You may also begin conversations out of class on general topics just to build rapport with the students.
Judy Mohammed
I try to direct the question to the student make them feel important but without make them feel bad in the front of other students. I also talk to them after class to see if I can help give them some information about the next class for them to study and come ready.
Allen,
This is a good technique. Initially, I use my roster to call on students by name and I try to learn the names quickly.
Judy Mohammed
I try not to just ask a question to the hole class.I will direct it to a student that seams like they are having a struggle with the topic at hand,and help lead them to the right answer.
Trina,
I quickly learn names so that I could call on students. I tread lightly at first and then charge right in once they become accustomed to interacting.
Judy Mohammed
You should assign questions to all of the students in your class. Also rather than giving them the option of volunteering to answer call on students to answer questions.
Kenya,
Learning can be fun and we should strive for that; our students enjoy being challenged and stimulated. I am sure you will also enjoy yourclasses more.
Judy Mohammed
The different techniques that many instructors have listed in the forum that they use in class to arouse participation from shy and non-shy students are user friendly. I will use some of them in the new year. Motivation is the base for all students learning and it is what drivies them to learn. Being creative like many of use are, focusing on the students knowledge and skills, using challenging games, and etc. Creates the forum for a more stimulating learning enviroment.
Keith,
That's a great technique. Students will be alert and ready to respond at all times.
Judy Mohammed
I have been known to write the names of all the students on a 3x5 card and shuffle them kind of like a deck of cards. Then during a chapter review i pick a card and call on that student. If the student called cannot recall the answer i draw another name. That keeps the students from depending on other students from answering every question and filling in the blanks. I call it the deck of opportunity.
Mark,
My technique is somewhat similar, but I do not ask the other studetns directly not to answer. I say thinks like, "I would like to hear from the rest of you," or "Come on now, we have more that just the three students who raise their hands all the time, let's hear from the rest of you, what are you thinking? I could hear those wheels turning." It adds humor and gets others involved.
Judy Mohammed
Thomas,
This is a good technique, in fact, my grading system does include participation points on a regular basis, not as extra credit.
Judy Mohammed
I will ask certian students not to volenteer to answer before I ask the question. It shows praise to the students that I ask not to answer, because they know that I know that they are willing and able to respond to the question with the right answer. If I need to probe multiple students to get a correct or more complete answer I will come back to the students I asked not to speak, allowing them to share thier knowlage. It seems to work well, but you need to be carfull not to offend a student by asking them not to answer.
You can offer and track extra credit Participation Points to encourage students to answer.
Charles,
Do you have the students create sample test questions from which you choose?
Judy Mohammed
