Hi Autumn , That's a great example of how to get students interacting! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
All of the students in each of my classes are assigned to different internship sites. One strategy that I use to relate to the material is to ask each student what the protocol for a certain examination is at their site (applying to what we are learning in lecture). This gets the conversation started between students and they get to see that protocols vary between institutions and that leads them to ask more questions and develop a deeper understanding of that examination.
Hi Kathy, Thanks for your post to the forum. That is a very good way to nurture the reticent student. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Christa, Great strategies and some very good points!
Susan Polick
I think if you have them talk to their table partner or those around them and have them be the speaker.
Sometimes I have students prepare a written answer to a question before I verbally propose it to the class. This way, I know that everyone has an answer prepared before I call on people at random. If it's student questions I'm seeking, I do the same thing, instead asking them to prepare a few questions, respond to each others' questions, and then we'll discuss them at large.
Another strategy I've found helpful is to call directly on students who are reticent to respond when I'm asking a particularly low-stress question. If I can build their confidence on the soft balls, they're more likely to go after the hard balls.
I was always shy in school to raise my hand and answer questions so I understand how the student feels. Making a comfortable and non jugemental enviroment is important. Don't always pick on the shy ones either that will make things worse. Try to encourage them in other ways like working in small groups or writing answers down for others to read aloud.
I have found that the "friendly competition" method works very well for even adult learners. It doesn't even matter if it is based on "prizes" or "glory", I think it is natural to want to be the best at something.
I have used some manufactures training videos that have questions that need to be answered at the end of the program. Its amazing to watch the class be submissive while the video is showing, then be so competitive when the question section comes up, especially if I create teams. Even if the prize is just bragging rights
Hi Fallon, That is a really empathetic approach to questioning! Well done!
Susan Polick
I like to divide the class into smaller groups and give each group a set of questions to answer and present to the class. When presenting the answers to the class each student from the group will have a question they will respond to. I feel that with the smaller groups, the non-responsive students will be more inclined to ask questions amongst their smaller group of peers to figure out the question they will be responding too. This gives the students more confidence in their responses, because they've had input from their peers. Not only does it help with class participation, it also helps to get a better grasp of the information being presented!
I have not tried this but it sounds promising and fun. I am going to give it a go.
Hi Carol, Thanks for your post to the forum. Isn't it amazing how even adult students love competitions that result in even the smallest prizes??
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
One of my strategies is to ask questions while playing a game. I ask a question and students raise their hand if they know the answer. Even my most reserved students raise their hand and I make sure I give everyone a question. Their efforts are rewarded by giving each student a nutrition bar, cookies, candy, pens or anything I think will encourage participation. I do this the day before a test to relax and motivate them and so far it is working.
