When students seem lost or distracted I begin asking questions to random students. I try to ask questions that lead to other questions to avoid putting them on the spot, meaning they by the time I call on the distracted students they have already begun thinking about the topic. This increases the chances of them answering correctly and it brings up their confidence. At the same time they are more likely to "snap out of it" and get involved in the discussion.
Susan,
First, I learn all of my students' names in the class and I use their name every time I ask them a question. This seems to create a more open and comfortable learning environment. Second, I tell them during the first class session that there is no such thing as a "stupid question." I try to always give them praise for their comments. Third, I have over the years made the course quesions more relevant to real life experiences and actual career experiences.
Hi Joan - Students are almost always more comfortable in a circle of close peers. How do you determine what questions will be asked or is that up to the students? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
After a student answers a question, I have that student ask another student the next question. I have sometimes found that the reticent student will answer when his buddy asks the question, but won't answer when his teacher asks.
I believe the best way to go about having students answer questions is to build there self esteem. Look for body language and facial expression. Give the answer to a question and ask the student if he/she will eloborate. THis is a handy technique that seems to help me.
i have in the past had all the students names on a 3 x 5 cards and i would ask a question and then pick a name ramdomly that keeps all students involved
I use the open discussion forum. Usually once one student answers a question that will lead another student to ask one and there starts the discussion. That will usually prompt the students to get involved with the answering process as well.
Hi Manuela - Your questions are well designed to gain student participation - great work! Susan
Giving positive feedback and praise to students after tests, during hands-on activities. and all other occasions will make them feel more comfortable in class and will encourage them to ask more questions.
Also, I ask my class questions like: "What would you like to know about this topic?" "Can I answer any questions you have?" "Is there something I need to find out for you?"
Hi Yan - Thanks for sharing your very interactive questioning strategy! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I encourage students to ask me any question at any time and even make it part of my curriculum as a component of class participation requirement. My students know that "there's no stupid questions" and that there are some questions that may not have immediate answers. Q and A are necessary not just for stimulating learning but for boosting students' confidence level and self-esteem.
Hi Kellie- We are just starting to use this also - isn't technology great?!! Susan
I have used an application called turning point that works in conjunction with powerpoint. Small devices are passed out to students. They resemble a small calculator. The question can be posed on the powerpoint as a multiple choice question. Then everyone can point their "clicker" and pick an answer. The powerpoint then shows the correct answer and the percentage of right and wrong answers. This allows the student to answer without the fear of being wrong in front of the entire class. Then we can lead into a discussion of why we would answer one way versus another. Students love it! It also helps to reach all different learning styles.
I like to start each day off with reviewing what was gone over the day before. By asking questions to the class and specificly choosing students to answer certin questions. I like to choose questions for each student in the class. They encourage each other to get the questions correct and even try guessing which of the questions i have asked might be on their next test.
Set them in small groups and have them discuss the question and respond to it.
Depending on the size of my class I like to use a round robin method, going around the room and having each student answer a question. This method promotes class participation and the students are able to help each other whem they have trouble.
It goes back to positive reinforement and excitment about the subject from theinstructor. Everyone likes to have fun, so keep the energy flowing. Ask lots of questions, especially to the students who are not confident. The more they answer correctly, the more confidence they will build.
One process I have found that works for me is to go stand near an unresponsive student when asking questions, hoping to draw him/her into discussion. This usually works. However, when it doesn't I will ask them directly, if they can't answer question because they don't know or do not respond I will ask them /help to look it up using the appropriate materials.
Hi Stewart!
Great ideas! I usually ask questions to the entire class for a general response. However, lately I have tried the tatic of asking individual questions. I encourage the students to make an educated guess if they are unsure of the response. "I don't know" or "I'm not sure" are not acceptable responses.
