Managing participation
I have had a few students that were always answering questions as they were raising their hands and before I was even finished asking the question. Other students therefore did not even try to participate because they knew that they would not get the chance.
What I now do is let a student know that I will be asking a question on a certain topic during the lecture and that they will need to provide an answer. The student will then be more attentive during lecture and will have an opportunity to participate in class.
Well, students should be given equal opportunities to participate in classroom activities like class recitations, presentations and discussions. There will always be one or two students who will be trying to dominate these classroom activities. The instructor may intentionally skip them from time to time and ask other students to pasticipate . I try to encourage the especially shy one to talk and give their own views. I sometimes give these students assignments that will require them to speak in front of the class.I give them some tips on public speaking and try to build their self confidence and even tell them that I was once very shy like them.
Debbie,
Thanks for sharing this strategy with us. I know it will be of value to other instructors.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Love this idea! What I have done in this same genre, but like a game, is use a 3x5 card and have each student write down something they need clarification on or better understanding of. No names on the cards. I then shuffle them and pass them out. Each student reads the card. No one can answer more than once. This is also great for review before a test.
This is a good idea, and I think I will try something like this. It seems like a good way to get everyone involved.
ATUL,
Good way to engage students right up front in the beginning of the class. This format will keep their focus throughout the course as well.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I am completely agreed with your discussion. However, I usually start asking questions from the day’s one therefore all other students they prepare in advance for next day class participation. I usually choose random students group so that no one can skip from the participation. By doing this students are more attentive and focused in the classroom.
That is an amazing idea. I realize it may seem childish to college level education but I do believe it would be a great tool on keeping everyone involved.
Melissa,
Thank you for sharing this attention strategy. I think it is a good one that will work in any setting. I know it will be of help to other instructors.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
What I have done to help manage participation is at the start of a class I have students create a "question" stick using popsicle sticks. I collect the sticks and keep them in a cup. When it is question time, I draw a stick and call on the person who's name is on it.
- If I want to make sure I call on all students by the end of the day,throughout the various activies, I set that stick aside.
- If I want to make sure students stay alert and know that they can be called upon again, I put the question stick back in the mug.
This way I control who is answering questions and not leaving it up to the first student who wants to respond. Students know that they can be called upon at anytime. When I hold the mug with the sticks they pay extra special attention.
Jessica,
I do the same thing and have found it to work out very well. However, it seems that I "lose" the students who have the answer and are not patient with the one who has been called on. Any suggestions as to how I maintain interest during this time?
...mabel...
