Getting students to talk
I have had a few students that never are involved in class discussions. I finally decided to do a "whole class" question/answer role play. I am the client and my students are the technicians asking questions. I go around the room and everyone of the students has to come up with a question relating to the topic...I try and include real life senerio situations they can relate to. It seems to get the students who have been really quiet a better understanding of what the real world will be like and if they don't communicate with their classmates and instructors in college, they will struggle at a clinic!! I make that a HUGE point!
Hi Melissa, Thanks for your post to the forum. Absolutely, I think that students do feel more at ease in the small group setting and in doing activities like role play. Best wishes- Susan
Susan Polick
I agree and have found role-playing increases verbal participation from otherwise "quiet" students. Perhaps role-playing in small groups somehow makes a quiet student feel safer than when he/she attempts to answer a question as a member of a class-at-large.
I haven't tried having each student come up with a question, although I agree that the real life/work life scenarios seem to drive the point home much more effectively than a "textbook" one.
Great idea... I also stress the importance of communication in the workplace, but have never thought of trying this... Thanks for a new idea!!
Hi Michelle- Great job of getting your students involved in class! Susan
Good call! I like to get real world examples from my students all of the time. If I can get students to participate and give personal examples it is easier for them to start a discussion and in turn ask questions.
