During the presentation I stop often and ask if there are any questions and have no response. I them ask if they need time to think over what has been presented with a definite yes response. I give them several seconds then ask again and usually get a question which leads to more. If I get no questions I start asking them questions. Both ways lead to the discussion I am looking for.
Hi Shirley, Thanks for sharing a new use for the "Parking lot"! Best wishes - Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Sandy, It also gives us a good starting point for the new lesson as we can see what needs to be revisited before we start adding new information. Susan
Susan Polick
iNTRODUCE A BROADER ASPECT OF THE QUESTION
I have used the "Parking Lot" technique prior to a break. I have each student take a post-it note and write one question on it. On the way out of the room, the students post the question on a flip chart. when they return from break we discuss the questions. This process allows students to ask questions without the possiblity of someone thinking they are asking a stupid question.
I use hypotheticals, to get students to relate to subject matter.
I beleive a comfortable place to start for students with questioning is at the start of class reviewing the previous days lessons. Students tend to build from that. It makes them feel comfortable because they were able to recall answers from the previous day.
By putting the students into groups to see how they work with others...
Hi Angela, Thanks for your post to the forum. I ask students to write down at least one question to bring to class. Usually they are surprised to see how many student shave the same questions. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
Hi Thomas, Thanks for your post to the forum. "Wait time" can be difficult to get used to but as you state -it works! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I will ask a question that pertains to the subject matter but might have been related to a story in the news. Also if you listen to the conversations at the break time you can find some information that students are discussing a lot of it is that they need more information on an item, and maybe doesn't want to ask me. I also try to ask questions related to the subject matter of yesterday. Sometime the students need some time to think about the subject matter
Open ended questions seem to be the best way for me to get my students to participate in class.
I think the long pause is one method I personally use. I have noticed the longer I wait the more responses I get.
Hi Anthony, That's an excellent technique! Ideally we would want to get to know our students just to make a connection with them, but as you mention, it also is useful to be able to tailor questions to specific students. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Susan Polick
I integrate the key concepts/ideas into questions that lead to an overall class discussion. Another method I have found effective is to post discussion online so students can continually review these questions and key concepts or ideas.
I have found that when you have the student talk to you as if you are the student and they are the teacher this shows me that not only do they know the material but this is also a way for positive reinforcement because they have just informed you of something they have learned in the class.
I agree that open ended questions can have a + impact on future class participation. Dennis
On of the first things I do with my classes is try to get to know a little about the students. Then I use this knowledge to try to tailor questions to them specifically, based on what I think they would know anyway. By giving them a fairly easy question that they can answer quickly, it builds confidence in speaking in front of the class, and helps them to volunteer answers in the future.
Hi Cleider, Students do enjoy playing games as they learn and actually I do as well! Susan
Susan Polick
Hi James, Yes, enabling students to see the relevancy of new concepts to past experiences is really great!
Susan Polick
