Opening the door to participation
I think that opening this door begins with the attitude the instructor sets within his/her class. When receiving a new class ensuring that they trust, respect and feel comfortable with you and your teaching is very important. This doesn't mean that everyone will agree but they will acceptance the guidance and information you are teaching them daily.
Agreed, questions open the door into the mind of the students and the many different perspectives.
I am learning the power of questions. It is a grat atribute to re-I forcing the lessons. It gives students a chance to restate information in their own words.
I utilize questions in the classroom as an evaluation e.g. Do I need to go over this subject area again with the class? Questions are also used to have students "think outside the box" for problem solving.
Hi John, Thanks for your post to the forum. You describe a great community that you create in your classroom which is terrific! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career.
Susan Polick
The approach ive taken in my HVAC trade class is to explain that even though i am an instructor of the class, i am the same as they are. WE are tradesmen. We can have different views on subjects and WE most certainly can have discussion or debates about a topic.
I welcome all open debating in my class. Not about class policy or school rules, or attendance/grades stuff, But about things that pertain to the HVAC trade.
Some students i have already are working in the trade and can offer their experience to the class or even preference over mine.
its all good.
