Students learning and questions
Having been an educator for many years, I have found it useful to pose questions in one of two ways: 1) I may ask the student for their personal thoughts or opinions on a particular topic (which allows them some leeway in answering), and 2) I may ask the student what the book or the lecture states about a particular topic.
Students love to give their own opinion and I have found that by asking for that the student feels somewhat more free to give an answer.
I agree. By not giving yes/no questions, the student is allowed to think before answering and have more insight about the subject.
Hi Krystal!
As I remember from my psychology classes, self disclosure is encouraged so I think it gives students permission to share when they otherwise may not. When students can rid themselves of fears and inhabitions, I feel like it helps with learning.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
I think one of the best things about teaching psychology is the variety of student input. Sometimes it's amazing to me what students are willing to talk about in terms of their own experiences.
Also, for some strange, but benign, psychological phenomena (such as different sleep experiences--hypnic jerk, sleep paralysis, etc), I ask students to raise their hands if they've experienced it. It helps them to know they aren't alone.
Hi Angela!
I often have students to write down 3 or 4 questions for end-of-class review. It is interesting how students can have such deep and interesting thoughts.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
As an instructor, asking students to respond to open ended questions helps me know if they understood what I said.
My whole teaching "style" revolves around questions. I tell them "i'm going to be a 3 year old." I ask a leading question, when the student answers (right or wrong), I ask why? This brings in discussion and also walks them into the reason the answer is/isn't correct. I may ask why 5 or more times on any given answer.
I agree. asking open ended questions or relating to the text is a great way to get studenbt feed back.
I appalud Lisa. I think your having the students write their on questions is a good way to get them involved. And, as you say, at least one student knows the answers!
I believe asking questions is a good teaching method. Who can beat Socrates, huh? Many times I answer a question with a question in order to encourage students to think! I play dumb if necessary.
I teach literature, and I actually came up with an interesting activity to help increase student participation. I get the students to come up with their own questions. After the students have read the story, I ask them to write and answer three analytical questions. Sometimes I ask them to do this in small groups. (I give them examples of what I expect, as well). After they have written and answered the questions, I ask them to write their favorite question on the white board. As a class, we then answer the questions. This activity helps to develop higher level thinking and helps to encourage participation because there is always at least one student who knows the answer.
Definitely. Students love to hear personal examples. They can relate to them well.
Asking students to relate their personal experiences is helpful because every students has an answer-- they all have personal exiences, and they are not wrong or right. They are experience This may actually lead to some more concrete information coming out once they get over that initial fear of voicing a "wrong answer." I have found that some interesting and productive discussions can begin with a wrong answer.
Asking students to relate their personal experiences helps.
