Lindsey,
This is excellent advice. I hope that you have opportunities to mentor new teachers since you have much to offer them.
Judy Mohammed
Lydia,
This is a good method and, if time allows, the new instructor would greatly appreciate this.
Judy Mohammed
Ron,
How do you respond to your students? I generally let them know that I do not have all of the answers from the outset. then I have them research the information as do I so that we can discuss at a later time.
Judy Mohammed
Michele,
Good advice. Do you use these types of questions in classes?
Judy Mohammed
This course provided me the opportunity to take a closer look at how I structure my class and how I used questions. Upon reflection, I can notice how my questioning techniques have changed as I gain experience. If I was a mentor to a new instructor, I would for tell them don't be afraid to ask or answer questions. You should always know the answer to the question you ask but don't be discourage when you can't answer a student's question. Show your human side and let the student know that you don't know and let the student know you will find the answer to their question. Also, I would encourage new instructors to wait the three seconds after a student answers a question. In addition, reinforce the importance of using open-ended questions to guide class discussions.
If I were to mentor a new instructor, I would allow them to put together a mock class lecture over a small, but simple subject that they have knowledge of and feel comfortable lecturing on. Then I would make sure they have a list of objectives that the mock classroom will easily be able to follow to be able to answer the questions during the lecture. During the presentation I would have them to ask the staff during the mock class questions and I would write the questions down or have them given to me after the lecture. Once this is done we would sit down and take an assessment of the type of questions that where asked and at that time I would give tips on open, closed, interpretation, comprehension, and extrapolation questions. This way they would understand the type of questions that will be affective in their classroom.
The first three things that I would suggest to a new instructor would be to make use of open questions, use questions that show application, and to avoid using too many procedural questions.
Rhonda,
As teachers, we are responsible to develop and encourage critical thinking.
Judy Mohammed
Renita,
This is good advice. There is nothing wrong with giving praise, as long as it is deserved. Like you, my homework questions are open ended and require critical thinking.
Judy Mohammed
David,
This is good advice. How do you choose which student to direct the first question?
Judy Mohammed
Be careful not to take the easier approach of compiling closed only questions for homework, exams or within class discussion. Their field requirements include analytical thinking, not just recall. In addition, don't allow more confident and assertive students to dictate your line and direction of questioning. You'll lose others, creating a bigger gap between performances. Give a lifeline to bring them back with enough time to do it. Lastly praise goes a long way. Just because we're older doesn't mean we're not a kid at heart.
When I was an instructor at Marine Corps dive school, I found myself from time to time having to snap in a new instructor. The first thing I would cover with him would be if a student asked you a question, you are to repeat his question to ensure you understand the question being asked. The second thing is how to address a question to the entire class. The last thing would be if you were asked a question that you do not know the answer to the question how do you as an instructor respond back to the student.
In mentoring a new instructor on the use of questioning, the three things that I would tell them are:
1. Begin with an open question that starts the students thought processes moving to where you want to go with the lesson that day.
2. Think about who in the class you will direct the first question to.
3. Have your list of follow up questions (open, probing, and redirection) laid out so you can get the class involved in the discussion on the topic that you will cover that day in the classroom.
The use of open questioning is important in all aspects of learning. I find it to be a necessity when teaching students how to abstract information from an operative report or any report when trying to code the diagnosis and procedures. The idea is to get the student to solve the problem on their own and use critical thinking. The internet cannot help them with this type of problem solving. The goal for all of us is to help the student become successful.
Jennifer,
This is very good advice that you should share with new teachers.
Judy Mohammed
Most of my classes are lab-based classes. First I would suggest they use closed questions during hands-on lecture to ensure the students are understanding the basics of the software. Second suggestion would be to then ask open-ended questions about why they are using the functions they are learning. The last suggestion would be to use open questions to find how/where/why the students would use the functions in the workplace. The combination of these questions in this format ensures that the students are understanding what is to be done, why they do it, and how it applies to their career.
Bruce,
These are excellent pieces of advice. I am sure that you are a great mentor.
Judy Mohammed
I have trained/mentored new instructors and I believe thet the three things I would say about using questions in the classroom are:
1. Questioning is an extremely important tool and should be used when it will be effective.
2. That timing of a question is very important. Allowing enough time, waiting for others to answer and timing the acknowledgment of an answer, are imortant factors when asking a question.
3. Last, I would make sure that the new instructor never makes the student feel stupid or marginal as a result of either not knowing an answer or for giving a wrong answer; and that every question by a student is important.
Instructors need to know the impact of their questions and when they are needed.
Diane,
Great advice. Do you have opportunities to work with new teachers often?
Judy Mohammed
Jennifer,
My students usually raise hands and I call on them. Initially I use the roster but I learn their names very quickly.
Judy Mohammed
