I use the Socratic method, which consists of more open-ended style questions that open up further discussion rather than shutting it down. I also often give students some discussion questions ahead of time--this allows the shyer students a chance to prepare their response rather than feel put on the spot. It also helps students focus their reading more.
Sara
Definitely use open ended questions. What ifs, what do you think, what would you do, etc. help to encourage student participation.
I tend to ask a lot of "Why do you think" questions when discussing why a historical figure made a decision.
Lori
Hi Lindsay - Thanks for your post to the forum. Your suggestion of asking questions that have multiple answers is a good one - thanks for sharing! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I tend to ask questions that have mulitple answers so that each student has the opportunity to answer. Then most will get a correct answer and then they all get praise.
Hi Jennifer- Thanks for your post to the forum. Case studies really do get the discussion going don't they? I like to use the white board as I am listening to the students and write down concepts, terms etc. that iI am hearing .
Hi Rich - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes indeed, students really enjoy talking about concepts that they have experienced in their own lives. This is why I take notes about what my students have told me about their experience so that I can ask them to answer questions realated to the topics we are discussing and know that they will feel comfortable answering. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Use a case study format. This allows students to build of other student’s answers and ideas.
I have found that if you can ask questions that pertain to real life situations it helps to get participation in class discussions
Students need critical thinking skills so many times I start with a case study that applies to the class, and I throw out an open ended question. Once they start discussing, I listen for key statements or words that would have me throw out another question or part of the scenario that they now have to apply. This gets them thinking outside of the box and looking at other options or answers.
Hi Janice- Thanks for your post to the forum. I often throw the follow-up question out to another student. "That's correct Jane! Can anyone tell me why?" Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
silence is key.
I also find that focusing on "Why" questions tends to help facilitate more critical and deeper levels of thinking.
I have found by first asking a question that can be answered with a yes or no or other simple response give me a chance to respond with "tell me more" or "I agree, but now tell me why".
I have found that constantly reinforcing the fact that the students have many life experiences that are relevant to the material and that they can share brings better participation.
Hi Renee- Thanks for your post to the forum. You obviously do everything you can to get your students involved in their learning. "Will work for Candy!" is great! LOL! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Before I begin my lecture, I always begin with open ended questions. I ask the students questions that can reflect their own personal experiences with the new material. This begins great discussions because the students all come from different walks of life. I end with my personal experiences in the field of study. This always ends in them asking questions of interest in the material.
I am always thrilled when I have a class that likes to participate and when questions are asked the discussion is interesting. When I have the occasional class that simply does not participate I try all sorts of things from asking a lot of open ended questions; giving extreme examples and then asking "what do you think?"; to one tough class that only started opening up when I brought candy bars to class and when some participated I threw them a candy bar; it worked.
Renee Bipes
Brainstorming and taking ideas and points usually gets the student's mind rolling. It opens up topics of discussion and students are more open to answering since others are throwing ideas out as well!
I have a bag of candy and when a student replies or gets the info correct thay get a piece of candy. Sometimes I appoint a shy student a captain of the team
Hi Peggy - Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, when we handle our questioning well we can definitely make students more confident! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
