Sometimes when we have a review session before a test or to evaluate how much the students understood a certain topic/concept i would go around the room or call on students randomly. I noticed that they are paying more attention to the questions that are asked, keeps them focused, and they are obligated to participate. The most difficult part of participation is the fear of public speaking and when they gets over that fear, they seem to participate more and effectively.
While engaging my students in the class room or in the lab I will always sask questions to see how much they have comprehended. I will ask them to repeat what I said and have them expand on it.i always make sur ethey are comfortable answering and dont feel silly for the questions that are asked. I have small classes and good participation. My classes are all how to use materials and then showing different techniques with these maaterials. If they dont grasp the concept by answering correctly I can redemonstrate or have another student show them the correct answer or technique.
Hi Richard, Thanks for your post to the forum. Ask questions like " What do you think about _____? " or "How would you handle ______" Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I agree about open ended questions but it is a challange as an instructor to come up with such a question at first.
some of the questioning techniques would consist of asking them questions that would be common knowlege, so that they feel comfortable taking on the bigger more complex questions
Hi Tricia , Thanks for your post to the forum. Great ideas! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Barbara, Thanks for your post to the forum. Good strategy - they know what to expect !
Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I have them work in small groups and develop questions which we go over and then sometimes use in a jeopardy game.
One of my strategies is that I have started to state at the beginning of my lectures we will have some group questions and answers at the end of class. This gets them focused right away because no student wants to be called on during class to answer a question and not know the answer.
I encourage students to try and stump me. I admit when I don't know something and do the research to answer them as soon as a possible. This makes them feel like it is ok to not know the answer and less afraid to answer questions.
Hi DeOnn, Thanks for sharing a great example of an open-ended question! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Yes, making it personal is important. Students don't want to be just a number.
I use what I call High Gain questions or question that are both open and specific. Example: What is the one key point/concept that you remember from your reading? Explain why.
Hi Ruben, Great idea to "recycle" previous student's questions! Thanks for sharing!
Susan Polick
Hi William, Interesting technique! Usually I advise to start with simpler questions and then move to those that are more complex, but I can see how your idea could work really well. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Teresa, I'm happy that you are finding this course useful. I have been teaching for almost 30 years and still find it exciting! Susan
Susan Polick
In order to draw out more participation and questions from my group I usually bring up questions from previous classes. Sometimes I have to be createive with the questions from previous classes in order to draw out current students. It seems once I admit to the class that other students had similar questions or answers they seem to feel more comfortable and open up by participating in our discussions.
open ended questions are great for classroom discussions
After introducing a concept, I find myself asking a question that the students cannot initially answer. I allow my students a few minutes to think about it and then provide students with some tools (information or data) by asking them simpler questions that build up to the main idea. I feel this technique helps put things into perspective for each student and helps them truly understand the concept i want them to learn. I feel that this technique promotes critical thinking and the reward is awesome when i see all those little light bulbs turning on!
i;m a new cosmetology instructor i haven't had a theory class .I'm getting so much ideas and guidance i thank you i keep up with the forms i've learned so much can;t wait to use this
