Class participation
The best way to get all students involved versus those who are more passive, I have found discussion groups of no more than three, sometimes even two will bring out more positive involvement
HI Jeaneen- It is always a challenge to manage the "expert" student. I think that you will find great success with your discussion groups. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I have one student who comes from a diverse medical background and generally 'talks over' the other students when questions are asked. After completing this module, I am excited to try out some of the ideas to create more overall participation. I like the idea of discussion groups. I think to take this a step further and have the groups come up with their own questions relevant to the subject matter would also be helpful.
I agree. Since my classes average about 20, I find that four groups or sometimes even five groups work fine and the shy students eventually begin to participate.
When I ask students questions to build their confidence through a series of questions.
Small groups work great to get the more shy students to make comments and get engaged and involved
I agree with classroom participation with all students especially with the shy students. It allow them to release fear in not knowing and gradually learn how to speak out. I usually mix the outspoken students with the shy ones and it works great.
Regina
Hi Tommy - Thanks for your post to the forum. Having your students work in pairs is a great idea, especially for the shy students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Small group sizes are good and encourages a shy student to participate. Also, when we are in laboratory, I get the students to work in pairs and this brings out the student to where they have to talk to their partner. I also go around the lab talking to all the students and make a point to talk humorously with the shy student. It helps.
3-4 is generally my prefered group size. It enables students to choose the time of participation.
Hi Anne Marie- Thanks for your post to the forum. I think you are right - the more passive/shy students do not generally participate in the larger groups. Smaller discussion groups are much less intimidating.
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
