Questioning as a Tool
I ask everyone a question at the beginning of the class to challenge them to keep up on studying. I let everyone know at the beginning of the course that this will occur. I also let them know it is not designed to "pick" on the students, but to challenge them to stay current on studying. if the student does not know the answer then we have the ability to move on or have the student look up the answer in the notes.
I find that asking questions involves the students to a greater extent and keep them more in focus on the topic. it doesn't hurt that I teach CJ and can raise questions on current events that are both topical and controversial.
When we begin a session with checking in about personal application opportunities or problem projects outside of class then review (and even asking for a student to summarize what we covered in the previous class), it serves to get everyone back 'in gear' . Then the new topics to build their training are more a continuation and I know where they may have had difficulty that needs clarification and more focused attention.
After all, I aim to have them pass the final exam AND become proficient, successful, professionals after their training. The questioning helps bring the course content to life and show them where they will actually be applying their training (why they need to pay attention/ where is the relevance to their career).
Hi Ryan, Thanks for your post to the forum. Letting students know that you are setting a baseline tells them that you are considering what they already know and building on that framework. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I think questioning a class on their previous subject knowledge engages them in the class, by creating a baseline understanding. By allowing them to tell what they know helps them feel that their future comments in class will not define their character amongst their other peers.
Hi Jennifer, The ideal questioning session should move to a good discussion - well done!
Susan Polick
I enjoy using questioning as a tool as do the students. They are informed that their ability to at least acknowledge some form of recognition of the topic of the questions asked in class are a representation of their homework assignments which represents 10% of their grade and also contributes to their participation percentage as well. The material I teach is difficult and involves a lot of basic memorization, so the Q&A which ends up being a discussion between instructor and students as well as students and students, gives a colorful edge to the memory process.
Wanda:
I like this idea of doing it at the top of every class. I had not thought to do that before, but I think it would help the students if they knew it was coming and expected it on a class by class basis. I think this could help with some of the angst they feel about asking/answering questions especially if I were to explain it to them the way you did. Great idea!
Answering questions helps to get participation when reviewing and to evluate the student's knowledge. I brings on active participation.
Hi Kurtis, As you mention, when questioning sessions become a regular routine in a class, students expect it and tend to be more prepared. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
I also ask my students questions in the beginning of class as a review. The questions are generated from topics covered during the previous class. They come to class more prepared and it helps them to retain important information.
Hi Wanda, Thanks for your post to the forum. I think it's a great idea to let students know that they will be asked some questions at the start of every class. This pushes them to prepare for class. st wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
