I would suggest that the instructor use questioning as a way of engaging students in the discussion as well as to gauge how well students understand the topic. Based on the material presented in this course I would reiterate the importance of wait-time. Students need to be given the opportunity to consider their answers and to compose them. I would also want to explain the importance of using open questions with respect to assessing student's knowledge.
When I talk to any new instructor or work side-by-side with an instructor, one thing that I stress is variety. Yes, ask open ended questions, but also give everyone a chance to speak. Some students get lost in the crowd, especially if it is a larger classroom. If you ask questions during a discussion, there will always be one or two students that try to monopolize the speaking time. Make sure you are giving everyone a chance to have a voice, and make sure you are asking a question that is direct enough that it will not be hard to interpret.
Jamie,
Questioning is indeed a very important tool for teachers.
Judy Mohammed
Frances,
Great advice! Though I am quite familiar with my material, I let my students know up front that I do not have all the answers. We research these answers together.
Judy Mohammed
Know your material! You cannot ask questions if you --- yourself do not know the material! Know your students; know their names - respect. Involve everyone..don't allow the same students to continually answer all the questions. Never embarrass someone(huge block to learning and is just mean)..again goes along with respect.
Tina,
Good advice! Do you work with new teachers often?
Judy Mohammed
To be specific, to call on various students none more than others, reinforce previously learned material through questions
If I was a mentor of a new instructor who has never taught, my first three things I would share with him/her about using questioning effectively would be:
1. Start with closed question to feel your students out of what they know of the subject.
2.Once you are able to assess the class overall I would begin with a closed question and then add "Mary you answered yes, but why?'
3.Try and get the whole class involved in a topic of discussion to evaluate the type of students that you are working with.
These three question should help break the ice for the instructor as well as the student to begin the semester.
Ty,
All of your points are great. I use praise but I do not overuse it. I use my roster to call the names and I learn them quickly. However, pretty soon after the class has ended, I forget these names; it's like I'm making place for the new ones.
Judy Mohammed
Chelsea,
These course are great for new teachers as is taking part in the discussions. New teachers also appreciate feedback for improvement.
Judy Mohammed
Chelsea,
I enjoy all of the courses I have taken here. We may have taught for a while but it is alwasy good to refresh ourselves and have discussions with other professionals.
Judy Mohammed
Loretta,
You are so right. As teachers, we need to keep our environment positive.
Judy Mohammed
Kim,
Great point, Kim! Other students may want to know the same information but are also shy to ask the question, so praise should be given to those asking the questions.
Judy Mohammed
Occasionally give the students positive reinforcement for asking a question or giving a correct answer, ex. "That's a great question, Judy?" or "Great answer, I can tell you have been studying." Too much positive reinforcement comes off a bit fake or contrived.
Give the students some time to think of the answer before calling on a student to answer the question. I usually count to 5 before calling on a student.
Call on as many students as possible, using their first names. Do not call on the same person simply because you know they have the right answer. Wrong answers sometimes bring out some interesting discussions about the topic of the day.
I would use examples of closed and open ended questions. Maybe we could work together to change common closed questions to open questions or present a follow-up open question for every closed one. Also, be sure to compliment a student when they ask a really great question. It can be very scary to a student to speak up in class, even if it is just to ask a question, so a little praise when they overcome that fear is in order.
I would tell him/her to ask questions, but be sure to give a wait time. After you lecture alway ask questions about the lecture. Give praise to students, this will give them a positive attitude.
Use of this material for knowledge review, emphasis benefits to students/ classroom use of open questions and feedback on classroom review regarding question style.
Review of this material, emphasis on productivity of knowledge and classroom response of open questions and test teach feedback on use of questions during session.
Clifton,
Very good advice! questioning is an essential part of teaching.
Judy Mohammed
Jeannie,
This is very good advice that new instructors would do well to follow.
Judy Mohammed
