I placed the questions on power point and then allowed students to answer the questions using their smartphones and their results were displayed on the screen. That then lead to further discussions and questions being that students were able to visualize the answers from others and poll the results.
Hi Robert, Asking students to generate questions will certainly make them more active readers.
Susan Polick
Have them read the chapter and come up with at least five questions reguarding the chapter and have an open discussion about them.
I ask students how they might apply a certain technique or material to their own work.
My techniques vary based on the particular students in the class. One of the techniques that seems to work well for me is having the students get in small "teams" (size vary depending on class size) and I keep track of the points for correctly answered questions. I give the winning team a prize or bonus points.
I find that doing this early in the term seems to encourage more participation throughout the course. It is a comfortable way for the students to have fun and get involved. I feel like after they get used to speaking in class they are more comfortable doing so in the future.
Hi Summer, That's a great way to demonstrate the relevance of what students are learning!
Susan Polick
Hi Kyle, Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing an outstanding job engaging your students! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I usually give an example of one of my past experiences and ask the student if they thought I had handled the situation appropriately? Follow that with if I had not what had I done wrong? Then ask why it is wrong? I will also ask what an appropriate reaction would have been. Many times I give examples of my mistakes so they know I am not perfect, but I am able to learn from a mistake. I also like the questioning because it lets me know who is getting a concept I am trying to make a point about.
Some techniques that I have used throughout the years to get student participation in class discussions are to relate concepts to the real world. For exmaple, the grocery store, sporting events, etc. I have even designed test questions based on a particular students' interests to show them I am paying attention. I have used cold-calling, popcorn, just going down the line or across the row. But I definitely make sure to engage each student at least once during each class session.
I have had some success when I put students into groups and sit with them while they talk about the questions. This seems to get them motivated and a little more at ease. It helps with the flow of the class.
Creating a safe environment for asking questions is the first step. How you respond opens or closes the door to future questions.
Reward questioning. Starting with prepared questions.
One very successful method was to have a student lead the class for the Q/A session.
Hi Shawn, Thanks for sharing a good idea to facilitate random questioning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I used to use Popsicle sticks with students name on them that I would pull out of a plastic bag during questioning. It kept the students alert because they never knew who would be called on. When a student asks a question, I redirect it back to the students in the class to answer and I fill in the gaps as necessary.
Hi Mark, Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree that students really enjoy "real life" stories about what they are learning as it demonstrates the relevance. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think making students feel comfortable with me is a way to get them more involved. I share stories of real life.
Hi JoAnn, Thanks for your post to the forum. Asking for opinions on the topic is a much less threatening questioning experience for students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
Hi Kenneth, Tailoring our questioning certainly can help students to feel more confident in our classrooms. When students are confident their participation usually increases. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
What has worked best for me is to call on each student and ask what they think about each topic.
