Engaging the entire class
I am a new instructor to the classroom and so I have been guest lecturing until I get my first class in a couple weeks. I have found that in the group of 6 there are always 2 students who answer every question or are eager to share a response. How can I try to engage the rest of the class without making those who aren't responding feel like they are put on the spot? I feel a little silly because as a student myself I was always the quiet one and I would not like being called on. As a teacher, however, I am not sure how resolve the problem. -Leslie
Hi Leslie;
I still have a couple of student who prefer to work on their own, but now when I tell them to get into groups, they hop to it. Once I informed the students that I had incorporated participation into their overall class grade, it seemed to turn around the attitude. I equally call on my quiet ones and my talkative ones, and make sure the class is aware that everyone is expected to participate.
Best of luck!
Kristy
Leslie,
One way is to put the students into groups, with a small number like 6 I would divide the class into three teams. Assign each team a topic and then have each team member report out on the topic. This way everyone is involved and contributing. During open discussions you can call on each student individually instead of just letting the talkative ones share. It won't be long before you will see how to "pull" the quiet ones into contributing.
I wish you much success in your teaching efforts.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
