Questioning Techniques
Over time I have learned that questioning students, and giving them adequate time to respond, is essential. Too often, I would not receive and answer and then move on. Waiting and perhaps phrasing the question differently, allowed students to have time to process and respond.
Hi Donald-Thanks for your post to the forum. Also, because open ended questions lead to more extended discussion, the more reticent students often get involved as they have had more time to ponder the original question. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like the what if questions because it leave's it open for more then one answer. And more why's to talk about the question.
Giving hints is fine, but you need to be careful and not to give too many. When I was a student some of my classmates would just keep waiting until the right answer was accidentily given.
The 3-5 second "wait-time" is crucial in student's learning environment, but at times it does create an awkward few seconds when no one answers, hence having the art of asking good questions is the key.
Hi patricia- Thanks for your post to the forum. Those sort of open ended questions do indeed get everyone participating- great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Yes, giving time to respond gets the think juice flowing... I also like to ask, "What if?" questions. Or "Why do you suppose?" questions. This allows students to explore other aspects of the inquiry.
Sometimes you can tell if someone has know clue so at that point I ask the class to help he or she out with there question.
Hi Mitchell- Good use of humor - Thanks for sharing! Best wishes-Susan
I see no harm in setting ground rules for questions...perhaps humorously...
"Don't everyone answer all at once!" "Did the question I just asked make any sense to ANYONE?!"
Keeping the class light will enable those who are less apt to speak to see that a poor answer isn't fatal.
Hi James- Thanks for your post to the forum. Whatever we can do to help our students feel relaxed is important. Guiding them to the correct answer is an excellent tactic. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Giving hints is a good thing to lead to the rigght thinking and not give them a answer
Hi Daniel -Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job at helping your students to be confident in your classroom by enabling them to arrive at the correct answers with some minimal help from you. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Another good thing to do id to help by giving hints and wait for a response.
Hi Kristen - Yes, learning to use "wait-time" is important! Best wishes- Susan
