Questioning sessions are great because they get the students involved in thier learing. If I notice a students focus starting to drift a short questioning session can bring him back and even give a state change to the whole class. The students will also benefit from seeing how much they are learning and how many questions they already know the answer to.
In the fine arts classes, I conduct critiques of student work as well as of the work of accomplished artists. This activity draws students out of their shells, encourages discussion, debate and critical thinking.
HI Jessica - Thanks for your post to the forum. It is amazing how even the shyer students can be coaxed into particpating in a smaller group setting. Best wishes- Susan
Critical thinking skills are developed when the instructor asks leading questions that relate to the topic or work being discussed. As a visual art and graphic design instructor, the process of critiquing each design project involves a analysis of the elements and principles of design - the "meat and potatoes" of what they are learning, so to speak. I have found that even the shy students that are less inclined to participate verbally will respond when given the opportunity to respond to a clear question posed by the instructor or a peer in this peer-group setting. I often have students begin with written critique notes, addressing key points in the designs that will help them be more articulate in their verbal participation and build confidence in what they are learning and how it applies. Teaming up students and allow them to ask each other questions about their work before presenting to the class is another good strategy.
the questions asked by students can help you to know what part of the discussion needs to be covered in more depth. This can help the instructor to do a better job.
Instructors and students asking questions in a group discussion format involves everyone in the class and leads to an overall better understanding of the course material.
To try and get all students involved even if indirectly.
Setting up small group discussion where each student is required to ask the other members of the group a question to discuss and respond. This involves all students in questioning and answering and also is an indirect method of letting the student know how much they do, or do not understand.
In the physical classroom, I have used the Socratic method, pretty successfully, however, I have not been successful in the online classroom (during Live Chats), at all! First, even though we operate over a high speed connection, there is a significant delay, just due to the technology. Second, given that each student is sitting in their own home or office, it is difficult to generate anything but brief "bursts" of interaction.
I am VERY interested in your suggestions!
Questioning opens the door for discussion, and elaboration of the topic. It enhances the ability of the student to make the connection between what they heard and what they learned.
Questions can be a good determining factor to how much students have understood. Based on the comments they give and examples, a teacher can tell if they are understanding the information.
HI Heather- Thanks for your post to the forum. As you mention we really do need to move our students on to the next level beyond memorization. They will need all the higher level skills to be effective in the workplace. Best wishes - Susan
Questioning sessions can guide students through the process of critical thinking to really engage in the course material on a higher thinking level and to focus not only on memorizing information but on assessing, analyzing, implementing, and synthesizing.
they can be used as a refresher from past lectures.I think that my students actually like it.plus it reminds them about the impotant things that they should remember
Hi Bill - I agree that using "sessions" to describe the questioning we are discussing can be a bit misleading. Sort of makes it sound like an inquisition!What we really mean is those moments in the classroom when we pause to check for understanding. Best wishes- Susan
I am somewhat confused by the use of the term "questioning sessions." I do not believe I have ever had such a sesson in any of my classes, and I have been at this career for a long time. I do believe that questioning is one of the primary means to apply all of Bloom's taxonomy to any subject and that it should be integrated in an ongoing way throughout every class. It helps me and the students to gain a clear understanding of what we have learned togehter, and it further offers me clear guidelines on what we still have to learn and where I have not met mine nor their expectations in terms of mastering the objectives.
Posing interesting, thought provoking questions encourage student's to develope analytical skills, and serve to reinforce the material.
Hi Brandon- Thanks for your post to the forum. In order to get our students to use critical thinking skills, as you mention, we need to prepare questions that will take them to that level. Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Questioning session can be used as learning tools by opening a dialog between student and instructor. I enjoy having a questioning session in my class because it makes the student start think a little different about the subject we are studying. The reason it makes the student start to think a little differently about the subject is beacuse of the questions I have developed for the lesson plan.
I Strongly agree and this allows them to also develope critical thinking skills.
