Agree. Many of my students are required to do reports during the term and part of their grade comes from the presentation. It enables me to see how much the student retained as well as the amount of information they understood.
James,
This is so true and it leads to students employing their critical thinking skills.
Judy Mohammed
I think the Socratic method is one of the best methods of questioning. It can begin on a very easy knowledge based level, and then can proceed to lead students further and further into deeper comprehension and analysis. What I find so gratifying is when the students then begin to become questioners themselves, formulating and phrasing their own questions in a more in-depth manner.
Roger,
This is very good advice. Questioning is an important tool and we must realize how to use it effectively.
Judy Mohammed
Trinidad ,
I like number three a lot. We look so much better in fornt of our students when we say, "I don't know," than when we give the wrong information. From the first day, I let my students know that I do not have all of the answers and that we may need to research them together.
Judy Mohammed
Useing open questions, Make sure that they understand how and when to use open questions, and making sure the proper way to follow up with incorect answers
Robert,
Great advice! Flexibility is indeed a most important tool when teaching.
Judy Mohammed
If I were the mentor of a new instructor who has never taught before, the first three things I would share with the new instructor about using questioning effectively in the classroom are: number one, to be sure to utilize effective open ended questions that allow for the students to adequately show that they understand the concepts being presented. This is critically important because the instructor needs to know the level of understanding that the students have achieved. Number two, I believe that the learning environment of the class should be such that each student feels safe to answer questions, ask questions and to share information. If the students do not feel that it is a safe place to make mistakes or that they are being judged it would be a detriment the learning outcomes and objectives. Number three I would let the new instructor know that he or she should never BS an answer. It is better to say “I do not know the answer to that – but I will find out for us” then to pretend to know and give a poor answer. It has been my experience that the students respect that approach much more and will respond positively.
First and foremost, you must be patient...it's not a speed race, but rather a marathon seeking greater breadth and depth in the learning. Second, flexibility is required...the flow of the lesson will almost never go exactly as planned, this is especially true if you are using open questions. Third, an instructor needs to very aware of who is participating and who is not while always looking for little openings in which to entice more passive students into participation.
Amy,
This is very good advice. Students enjoy classes that are more interactive. Their comprehension is also better in these classes.
Judy Mohammed
It is important to encourage new instructors to stop and ask questions in the first place. Often we get so caught up in our lecture or demonstration that we foget to involve the students and check for comprehension. I would explain the difference between a procedural question and an actual open question because we often ask procedural questions in lieu of open questions. I also found the technique of turning a closed question into an open question by asking why or how enlightening and I would share that technique.
Klaus,
I also believe that making presentations is an integral part of learning. All college course should require students to make presentations.
Judy Mohammed
Sometimes it is a good thing to consult the many applications available to search for words that I don't know or a search that I can get the students involved in, especially if a student is shy. We have a class where students have to make a five minute presentation and we let them use the internet to prepare for that. I am surprised how the students really like this aproach.
Andrea,
This is very good advice. I also like more open ended questions; however, sometimes I use them when time is short and I want to remain on topic.
Judy Mohammed
Jeff,
This is very good advice. Do you use a lot of questions in classes?
Judy Mohammed
I would tell them not to be so quick to answer the questions. Often times, the students can talk out their question and come to the answer on their own or with very little guidance.
Secondly, I would be wary of closed ended questions. I feel they do not allow the instructor to fully grasp of the students are comprehending the material in an application manner.
Last, use questions often especially if the material is dry and hard to 'spice' up. It keeps students engaged.
Research, know and understand your material. Try to use a variety of questions. And use other instructors as resources. See what has worked for the them in the past.
William,
Good example and a very good attitude to teaching. We do not have all the answers and we can certainly learn from our students.
Judy Mohammed
Bruce,
Good advice! I often let my students know on Day One that I do not have all the answers. Sometimes I give it back to the studnet to do the research when we have unanswered questions.
Judy Mohammed
#1Do not be afraid,Unless you know all the class personalaly you have the upperhand.Depending on the class size if a question is asked repeat it so all the class hears what was asked. Thank the person and procede with the answer.#2, see if there is any rebuttal, maybe someone else has a better answer. #3 Be 100% sure that everone understands the answer you gave is to there likeing. If not ask WHY! See if theres is a better answer.
