I have difficulty with this one myself. Sometimes, I actually have to have them take a break in between questions if we've been involved for a while on a certain topic. After 5 or 10 minutes, they can usually refocus and get back at it again.
Hi Nicole, Written objectives are very important as is revewing them at the end of each class. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Over the years I noticed that sometimes I have found it difficult to keep students on the topic discussed, so I would write down objectives on the board and redirect the students to the objectives if and when we'd go off task.
Indeed, the students often know some personal things about me, or about my teaching style, that they learned from other students. (They do talk about us!)In a small specialized career college setting this is fine, because it makes the student feel more confident that their instructors have the subject knowledge and experience to help them succeed.
Hi Tara, Thanks for your post to the forum. Questioning is one of the most difficult skills to master. However, as you mention, to effectively redirect can be very useful! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think that re-stating the questions is great. This seems to work for the student population that I am instructing.
Hi Karen, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, when students can understand the relevancy of what they are learning, retention improves. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I am teaching vet tech A&P which, though very interesting in my mind, can be overwhelming due to the volume of info. I find giving them stories about some of my cases in practice help them to understand how they will eventually apply the principles in the future when they are learning diagnostic and nursing care. It keeps them hopefully motivated and interested.
I like to make students think and may give the wrong answer and let them think through the process and give the correct answer
I too have a diverse group of students. Some learned English as a 2nd language. Sometimes questions must be re-worded in order for these students to understand.
Only allow questions that focus on the assignment before them. Not the quiz on Monday or Homework for the next lesson.
Making sure the question is understood and reinforce the topic by repeating words and related topics.
Hi Darin, Great interactivity in your classroom!
Susan Polick
Besides rewards, I will often have contests for the students to challenge them to expand on questions. I also like to determine the purpose of the class and relate the questions to scenarios that they face in the "real world" when it comes to their particular major or job.
Hi Angela - Using a scenario is really effective at clarifying.
Susan Polick
Hi Pamela, Yes, actively listening is really important. It's easy to "zone out" sometimes!
Susan Polick
I feel the same way. I find that rephrasing the question does help. Not only that but it can help other students to be receptive to learning question no matter the format of it being asked.
If I ask questions and the students aren't quite on top of the target response, I either re word and ask the question again or put it in a scenario format.
I think making clear the topic to be examined prior to Q&A is helpful. Also , if a question or response digresses, an appropriate segue steers things back on topic. Making certain I am actively listening to all Q&A enables me to stay on top of the discussion, thus prompt effectively.
Hi Rhonda, I would talk on the phone or via email with them.
Susan Polick
