I agree the more the comfortable the class is in the begining the more questions they ask as well as not being "shy" to answer questions.
If a instructor does not know an answer to a question, one method is " I will get back to the student, with an answer shortly" rather than saying "I don't know"> or having students research that answer--usually I see this, when students are not prepared, and providing students to critical think or research rather than giving answers right away.
Plus keep eye contact with students. and of course do not sit while lecturing. And ask students "did he or she understand, what is presented".
Know the information about the question.
Keep it simple.
Add more information to question when answered
Sean,
These are indeed great pieces of advice. I had some difficulty with wait time initially, so I would have needed to mentor like you at that time. Keep up the good work!
Judy Mohammed
I do train new instructors here and the first thing I tell them about questioning techniques is to "SLOW DOWN". Instinctually we want to get the information to them because internally we feel like they are struggling. Let them stew on it and if anything, repeat the question. For me it was a paternal instinct. These kids are tougher than we think and it feels "good" to watch them squirm a little bit! Next is the pause between answer and reply. We need to absorb and understand the answer as well. Plus the students adlib and throw more info into it. Third is, don't let any one person ball hog the questioning. instead of throwing a question out there for grabs, assign it to a specific student or group.
Seth,
Very good advice! I hope that you have opportunities for mentoring.
Judy Mohammed
As a mentor for a new instructor, I would first emphasize the importance of questioning and how it helps to add to class learning and the instructor’s initial assessment of concept comprehension. I would guide the instructor to ask open-ended questions and to plan ahead as to what questions they will ask and when in the lecture or class time they would ask the questions. I would finally remind the instructor to value the "question" and not to use it as time filler or to hide flaws in their own preparation.
Ron,
The test is a reflection of the curriculum and we must teach to the curriculum. Questioning is indeed an important tool for teachers.
Judy Mohammed
The main topic here is to allways look at the test you are teaching for.There is nothing worse than have info on a test that you did not cover at all.
This was a good review of questioning techniques.
The new instructor should understand open, closed and procedure questions.
Lawrence,
Very true, Larry. As teachers, we should always be prepared. The Internet can be a good resource but sometimes, as you pointed out, the interpretations may not be what we seek.
Judy Mohammed
Joseph,
Very good advice, Joe. I also had difficulty in the beginning with wait time since we experience the awkward moments of silence; however, I have come to understand the importance of wait time. (I miss there as well).
Judy Mohammed
Firstly, it is important that the question is written properly in order to get the answer that the instructor is looking for.
Secondly, Know all variations of the answers in order to coach the student along with his/her response.
Thirdly, be prepared for answers not pertaining to the subject matter. Students are too quick to use the internet and they sometimes respond with the first answer they come across without analysizing if it is the correct response.
I would first make sure the instructor understands the concept of open and closed end questions. This next step, having been a problem of mine in the past, I would explain that it is important to allow the students enough time to process and answer the questions. Next I would mentor the instructor on how to use positive reinforcement if an answer is incorrect or correct.
Miss you Judy!!!!
Dave,
I am sure this is much appreciated by your students.
Judy Mohammed
Absolutely
Anytime I am waiting for a pot to boil or some other process to work itself out I make a point to throw questions to the group.
Translation questions are great here to reinforce processes with several steps.
Dave,
During demos, do you ask questions to help you find out what students may already know or what other methods they might have used?
Judy Mohammed
Dave,
In your classes it may be easy to utilize all types of questions since you have so many demo classes. Do you ask questions during demo?
Judy Mohammed
David,
Great advice! Did you learn anything new in this module?
Judy Mohammed
I teach in a culinary school an i tend to emphasize comprehension questions which do well to demonstrate a students mastery of a given technique.
Application questions are also valuable for "selling" the importance of certain ideas and concepts which may be beneficial to the student's future success
During quiz reviews i use a variety of open and closed questions to cover the materials
I teach in a culinary school an i tend to emphasize comprehension questions which do well to demonstrate a students mastery of a given technique.
Application questions are also valuable for "selling" the importance of certain ideas and concepts which may be beneficial to the student's future success
During quiz reviews i use a variety of open and closed questions to cover the materials
