Involve your students in teaching
I had a group of Master Instructors visit my class. They had some input that was effective. They suggested that you should try to lead a student toward the answer of a question, rather than just answering it. By asking the student a question you can draw them toward the initial questions answer. This tends to promote thought. Students will join in the discussion.
Hi James - Having that percentage of students with the same questions certainly sends a message and gives you a direction for follow-up. Best wishes- Susan
I have also had students write questions on 3x5 cards without putting there names on the cards then turning them in. I pull a question "out of the hat" and ask for responses that way. Many times I get the information out in a more effective way. One time, I had 7 out of 21 students ask them same question!
Hi Phyliss- Welcome to ED 103 and thank you for some great suggestions on drawing students into class participation! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
You are correct in the aspect of finding innovative ways to involve students in the question and answer sessions. Sometimes, when there is non-participation from students, the instructor could prompt the students to answer by asking, “What else is this similar too? Or does this remind you of another situation, or could you relate in other ways to your personal experiences? This type of approach has worked for drawing my students into not only answering the question but generating more discussion.
Hi Jaime - Welcome to ED 103! Having students play an active part in the reviewing process is excellent- it increases their learning as they have to utilize what they have learned to be able to give feedback to their fellow students. Best wishes- Susan
We use class critiques in reviewing student work and projects. The class usually covers all my comments on their own before I even open my mouth. They are their own best (and worst) assets. I think this adds to the creditability of the comments and students do not feel like the instructor is preaching at them.
"Give a man a fish he'll eat for a day. Teach him how to fish he'll eat forever" In my opinion it's far more important knowing how to access information and find the correct answer, than simply being told the answer.
Hi Randall- welcome to ED 103! Thank you for posting an excellent example of great teaching! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
For many years now I have found that the best thing is to do exactly as you have stated. Do not simply answer a question but lead the student toward the answer. If not lead the student to the answer lead the class to the answer and allow them all an opportunity to think it through. " that is a great question butI am going to put it back on to you, now take what we learned this week......" or however that plays out. Student evaluation comments for me always contain someting that says they appreciate the fact that they were made to think through their own questions rather than just getting an answer.
HI Jan - You are obviously a very insightful instructor! I especially like the idea of saving that last question for the next class. Susan
Great line "promoting thought within our students" you are right many current students want instant satisfaction, to them often that means their idea is the one and only.
As the instructor it takes courage to invite dialogue and encourage questions. Sometimes you may have the answer or you may not. How the instructor handles that learning chain is very important for the next time the class meets.
I think it is okay to leave the class questioning... if the instructor remembers to start the next days class with that question and again make students think and remember what was yesterdays discussion about.
Hi Keri- Welcome to ED 103! I completely agree with you - lowering the expectations we have of our students does them a disservice. It is our job to push them further than the easy short answer. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career! Susan
Mark,
I think you have hit on a very important point...promoting thought within our students. We often forget, especially with the Millennial’s that it is our job to encourage thought; not just provide an immediate response because that is what they have grown accustomed.
Keri
In their professional lives, my students will be part of a close community but also in direct competition with each other. Peer pressure and interactive questions are excellent motivation in this type of environment.
Hi Mark - welcome to ED 103! The Master Instructors have mastered the use of wait-time and how to help students arrive at the desired anwer by thinking it through. Nwere instructors do tend to jump in with the answer without giving that opportunity. Best wishes! Susan
