I use a lot of case studies in my classes. I have the students brief the facts of the case. I then pose questions (Socratic method). These questions are centered around what, how, why, and what do you think.
Hi Dorothy- I like to take the opportunity to discuss some of the lesson before class or on break or even via email. once you are certain that the student knows a specific area well, ask him that question that you know he knows, in class. You can also ask the other students to give some one else a chance to try to answer and then use wait time till hopefully someone else does. Best wishes - Susan
What can I do to involve some of my other students. It seems that the same few students are always asking the questions or giving responses to my questions?
I like to use questions also but I no longer call it a lecture, I call it an incredibly awesome listening experience enhanced by student particpation.
Presenting real life examples and asking open ended questions. Using scenarios to generate critical thinking before answering. Relate the subject to their dally life is also a good way to get them to participate more.
Hi Kimberly- Getting your students to use critical thinking skills is so important. This is a skill that will be vital throughout their careers! Best wishes- Susan
I have found that the why question gets students to actually think on their feet and it helps them to think thru the process or reasoning behind something
Hi Michael- Thanks for your post to the forum. I really like your idea of prefacing the concept to be explored with a question on the opening slide. It gets the students attention and encourages them to look for the answer as the lesson/ppt progresses. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
There are two things that I do that may meet this criteria. I teach online courses, and have revised the PPT slides I use in our chat sessions. I will preface each lesson with a slide that asks students a question. Then, in each slide, before the main content, I use animation to have a question that leads into the content of the slide.
In a separate document, I provide them with a series of questions that I've designed to lead them from one concept to another. Hopefully, if they work through the questions, they will have an understanding of the material.
I ask open ended questions but if the student don't know or can't answer then I ask for someone else to without making the student feel bad. If the student answers the question partially right, then I ask if anyone has anything to add to that answer.
Broad open ended questions are good for stimulating a discussion. If I want to direct the discussion, then I will then make the questions narrower.
Hi Vicki- Thanks for your post to the forum. Even though you may find that most of the students who will respond with their own questions are the ones who generally particiate, the others will be relieved to see that they were not the only students who had those same questions. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
A lot of times, students don't ask questions because they don't want to be the only one in the room who doesn't "get it". I find that if you ask the class something like "what are your questions regarding this?", it sets the expectation that they should have questions.
HI Matt- Thanks for your post to the forum and for sharing some good ideas for effective questioning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
move around the room and ask questions of different students or ask what does this side of the room think.
I use open eneded questions and closed questions, I praise for every answer, right or wrong and then discuss the question.
I have found that getting some of the students to ask each other questions helps the class to become engaged.
Hi Patricia- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention, getting to know your students makes them feel more comfortable and more likely to participate. I know that in the past I have had instructors that had clearly no interest in knowing any of us. The participation was a reflection of that. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I like to change the layout of my classroom so we are all sitting in a circle instead of me standing in front of everyone. I find that this helps create more of a "discussion" and less formal. I had an instructor in college that had each of our names on a notecard and he would randomly call out our name and ask us a question to make sure we were paying attention. We all had no choice but to participate.
The better you know your students and they know you the more comfortable (or uncomfortable) the students will feel in asking questions. If the atmosphere is one that the students do not feel judged, I have found they are more likely to ask questions or participate in discussions.
Hi Marie - Thanks for your post to the forum. Taking the time to get to know our students is always time well spent as you so well know!
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
