Hi Emeka- You have excellent questioning techniques! Susan
From my experience, redirecting a probe questions that have the students thinking is very effective. For example, when I openly ask what blood vessel is used to check for pulse? I choose a student who indicates with a show of hand to answer. Then, I ask him/her why the artery is used and not a vein? If he/she makes an attempt but does not get it completely right, I acknowledge the efforts and redirect the question to other students. I demand responses from several students, expanding the good responses and praising the best response. i find that it gets the students excited and thinking deeply about my questions. As a result, my classes are usually very enlighteningand interactive which gives everyone better satisfaction.
Dr. E. A Mmuo
I agree. Open-ended questions work for me because it allows me to check for understanding.
I believe that the personality of the instructor plays the main role in encouraging the students to ask question, the first class meeting might be a defining moment of how the students will react with my class in the future, knowing the student and asking them some about their life experience would open the track for more easy going lecture, it will eliminate the first obstacle that the students face which is the fear of the teacher.
I (fortunately) teach subjects conducive to discussion and challenge students to think critically. I will always start with (broad)exploratory questions of what students already know (i.e, "What is the purpose of a Constitution?") This gives me my starting point. I then begin laying a little history,foundational knowledge, and key concepts. I conclude by then asking questions that challenge seemingly simple ideas with forgone conclusions (i.e., "In 1800, only white men with property could vote. Is this a democracy?") Students then begin to assess the validity and accuracy of popular belief as well as their own personal understanding of the subject at hand.
Hi Sylinda - Thanks for your post to the forum. I agree - having our students develop their critical thinking skills is essential to their success in their future careers! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Shiketheia- Thanks for your post to the forum.
Students do love to relate their experiences to the concepts that they are learning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi William - Thanks for your post to the forum. You shared some great ideas for getting students actively involved! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I agree. The open-ended questions allow everyone to reflect on the topic at hand, and when called upon, they have had the opportunity to formulate their responses.
Asking open ended questions is definitely a way to start participation.
Games where you take two groups and give them both questions that they have to answer then they present there answers and you ever gets the best answer or correct answer wins the prize.
I like using open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are great for giving students an opportunity to explain what they have heard.
Hi Kimberly - Thanks for your post to the forum. I find that asking questions that are based on students' personal experiences are a good way to get the shy students to join in. This is especially effective if you make a point of remembering conversations that you have had with students about their backgrounds and ask questions specifically geared to them. ( Hint - be sure to take good notes!) Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I also feel the open ended questions are the best way to get them to participate in class discussions. Most times I also find people are scared to voice their opinions because of what others think. So in some ways you have to find the best way to help them come out of their shells.
I agree. Mostly I get blank stares if I ask point blank, but if I ask opinions or ask them to share experiences then I am more likely to get a response
I set the groundwork in the initial class by telling the students that all classes are open-ended, that any topic about which they have a question can be discussed. I begin each class asking the students if there are any questions about anything we discussed in the previous class and/or going about providing or eliciting answers to questions unanswered previously. I also like to introduce news items, articles, letters-to-the-editor for discussion. This generation of students loves to discuss things they've seen or heard outside of class and relating it to their career quest gets a great response to the point that students who are normally reluctant to enter discussion have no hesitation getting involved. The greater benefit is the usually quiet students often become more outspoken.
In most of my classes, I give real life examples on live issues, and then ask students if they have experienced anything of the same or different that would interest the class on whatever subject we are talking about.
I'm a big proponent of the socratic method and this has worked well for me in class.
I use real world cases that include critical thinking questions at the end.
Hi James - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are doing a great job at leading questioning! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
