Questions as a method of teaching.
You can spend an entire class just asking questions and guide the students through the learning process. It is energy consuming but rewarding when the students get to the correct answers on their own accord.
When covering an important subject. I like to assess my class the second day start to finish on previous days lecture.
Hi Anthony, This is also useful in getting the more shy/quiet students involved.
Susan Polick
When I ask a question and I don't get a reply, I will usually ask another student the same question. After I get the reply I will usually ask the original student if they agree or disagree with the answer. I do this to try to get them involved in the discussion. Then I will go around the whole class to see who agrees or disagrees with the answer. In doing this I get the whole class involved and they will usually come up with the right answer between themselves.
Doing this you can see who knows the subject matter and who doesn't, and I think that the students appreciate the fact that they came up with the proper answer with out my assistance
Ironically, I find it easier to teach with questions than to formally lecture. There is no pressure to control the dialog, and classes can vary depending on how the audience participates. If nothing else, it opens the room up to interaction, and allows for formative assessments to integrate naturally throughout the lecture.
Hi Jason, Thanks for your post to the forum. Yes, encouraging students to use critical thinking is definitely worthwhile! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
