I teach some required courses in which students are less than enthusiastic about the subject and sometimes reluctant to participate in discussion. I have asked a question and waited for what seemed like an eternity for a response. One of the more successful methods I've worked into my classroom is dividing the room into small groups to work with a topic. Usually I give them several questions to work with as a small group and then they come back to the larger group and we report in from each group. I ask clarifying questions and we discuss differences and similarities between the groups. This tends to engage more students...the shy ones will discuss in the small groups and the more extraverted students report in. They tend to answer direct question clarifying and expanding on their small group discussion.
Great Ideas. I usually do have them introduce themselves and ask why they are enrolled in the program. What is their career goals. I also ask them to share their e-mail address with each other so they can share notes or other class activities or questions.
I make an obvious mistake and wait for them to respond. For example, in my evening class, I say, "Good morning." It is not a question, but it opens the door of communication. If no one corrects me, I say, "Let's try that again. Good morning." Someone always corrects me then. This give me a chance to tell them how important commmunication is, helping each other, correcting each other, sharing ideas, etc, both from me and from them, and how open we should be with each other in order to work together. I tell them that anytime I make a mistake, not always an intentional one, to feel free to correct me. I think this puts them at ease.
Specific to questioning techniques, I have found that the most important thing is to WAIT for an answer. Repeat or rephrase the question and wait again. Wait a long time if needed.
Hi,
Anytime that we have class discussions, assignments to review, or any type of activity that requires student input, instead of waiting for people to volunteer to respond I use my system of sticks. That way, outgoing students don't take over the class and shy students can't hide. I feel it's a fair and equitable way to evaluate participation. Once again, having three sticks per student is a way to ensure participation throughout the class.
Hi Mary - This is a common problem with small classes. I find that trying to get my students to relate their own experiences through my questions is usually the best way to go. Best wishes- Susan
Mary, I start off by having my students one at a time stand and introduce themselves. I ask them to tell us why they chose to further their education. Then they are to tell two truths and one lie about themselves' and the rest of the class must guess which one is the lie. After, I have them write down their names, numbers, and email addresses. I make copies of this and distribute it to all students and tell them if they miss a class they need to call their classmates for the notes. I explain that we are a team and we are all responsible for helping each other. If you don't help someone else when they need help they may not be there for you when you are in need. All of this really seems to break the ice. My classes seem to be very cohesive and caring.
I often interject humor into questions.
Since I mostly teach adult students who have full time jobs, I ask the students to share something from their own work experience that pertains to the topic at hand. I have also found using a trivia question format makes the classroom more fun and naturally helps the conversation flow.
I often have small classes of six or seven students. I have a bit of trouble getting a responce to any question in this small group. They are always quiet and unresponsive. Does anyone have good results with asking questions in small group or suggestion to enliven the group. I never seem to have a problem in the larger classes.
Luis, I was reading your message and I must admit I was intrigued. I would like some more information on the whole concept. When you pull a stick with a student's name what kinds of things are they responsible for? You were kind of vague on this point. Do you mean they need to respond to a question you have asked, or a certain group project, or whatever? What exactly are you making them responsible for?
Ah ha Luis- very crafty!! (-: Great idea - thhanks for sharing - Susan
I have a cup with "sticks" with students' names. In the cup each student has his/her name written 3 times. When it is time to respond to work, to participate, I take a stick. The person whose name comes up is responsible for responding to the specific task. Why 3? Because if I had only 1 name per student in the cup, once called upon the student could "check out" for the day knowing his / her name has already been called. Having 3 ensures that he / she will continue to follow with the lesson because his / her name can be called upon again.
I try to ask many open ended questions to stimulate thought form students and so they can think aloud. Many times this will stimulate another student to add to the question
Hoi Kristine -Thanks for your post! That's a pretty creative idea - thanks for sharing! Susan
Simply by asking their opinion on the topic being discussed.
I use the reward and praise. In high school, I would literally create 'bucks' and give them for answering questions and other areas in the class. They would use the bucks for extra credit. Worked like a charm!
Hi Christine - I have had this same problem with the discussion boards. It's hard to get a conversation going when they don't read your responses. I have at times copied my response to their post on the discussion board and sent it to their email. Works pretty well but, again -time consuming! Susan
I have found that asking questions that are rooted in critical opinions and creative solutions bring out the best in students' willingness to participate in discussions and answer questions.
This is a hard one in the online environment. We use discussion forums such as these, but often students do not return to discover your questions later in the week. I have games more effective...I'll post an answer and get them to post a question...or a scavenger hunt type of thing. Since I am now teaching 100% online...this is a really hard area for student and instructor.
Hi Sarah - I like that idea a lot-thanks for sharing! Susan
