Participation
When you notice a participant continuously asking longwinded questions, vaguely touching on the current topic, how do you address this in alternative ways when you've addressed it appropriately but the message isn't getting across.
Hi Laura- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, yes, sometimes cutting the "derailers" off at the pass may be the best way to handle things. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have tried speaking with the student before and sometimes that works and other times it doesn't. I have also had to lay down ground rules for participating in the discussion of questions. Unfortunately, sometimes there is nothing we can do to stop that participant from derailing the questions without just saying thank you for your participation, but let's get back on track with the question.
Hi Dawn - Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, we often have diverse skill levels in our classrooms and we must find a way to make them all feel valued and successful. Do you have any ideas on handling a class with diverse skill levels? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I am never suprised by how different each student abilities are. We all come across those student who are very "book smart" and others who have to really put the study time in for it to sink in. Rewards and praise for all my students makes them feel appreciated and special not matter what thier strenghths may be.
Hi Mike- Thanks for your post to the forum. Sometimes it can be a disability like ADD. Is the student still distracted after the activity has ended or do you find you have trouble getting their attention while the activity is in progress? Best wishes- Susan
Hi Mike, all,
I have the opposite situation, where an student is not only willing to participate but is distracted by doing other activities. How do I regain the student's attention to the class?
Hi Michael- not sure what you mean by " have addressed it appropriately" but sometimes we need to take the student asside and, puting the best spin on it, basically tell the student that they are obviously very intelligent, but they're in a class of mixed abilities that you are nevertheless charged to teach . Best wishes - Susan
Maybe you need to ask more questions of the class about that topic and see (1) are you wrong about them all getting it and you need to spend more time on the subject or (2) will the class answering the questions in their own words, bring the student in question, up to speed!
