I also encourage questions because they all learn from each others questions.
Denise,
Absolutely! I hardly ever use the same group formation. It does take the monotony away.
Judy Mohammed
I use this often and have found great success with it. I change the groups every time to get them out of their comfort zones and learn how to work with a diverse group of people. Everyone has their opportunity to lead the group in discussion and the problem solving and trivia games we play. It is fun, changes the course of the lecture and relieves the monotony of the traditional classroom setting.
Scott,
This makes sense, but the students in the one row will have an advantage. I pick them throughout the class.
Judy Mohammed
I like to start with one row of students and then skip to a row not next in line so it is not predictable and everyone will get a guestion.
Meghan
This seems like a good idea. I have not used it; perhaps I will try it next year. Thanks for sharing.
Judy Mohammed
For any instructors in Math/Science I've found a fun way to do this is to assign a number to each student on my roster and then use a random number generator to pick the student who will answer the question.
Kelly,
Very good advice here! This certainly can bring out the shy students and when they realize that their responses are validated, they are more likely to participate in the classes.
Judy Mohammed
Sometimes you can get everyone engaged by having them write brief responses to the questions on sticky notes and then collect all of the answers. As the teacher, I can then share these answers. It is often "safer" for the shy students.
Robert,
You are so right. As teachers, we are guides and we should be guiding our students to correct information
Judy Mohammed
I really like using the Probing technique in my classroom. One, it helps the student to process and understand what they've asked in addition to assisting them in finding the right answer. This often works well in my math classes. Probing can take them from their inital wrong answer and understand how to get the right answer.
Marina,
This is essential to the work ethics of our society since teamwork is found everywhere.
Judy Mohammed
marina,
This is very true. How would you encourage participation?
Judy Mohammed
It is all about motivation.Individual responsibility for learning should be emphasized.
Divide them in small groups and make it competitive!Important:i change groups every time,so they learn how to work with each other productively
Alexander,
In the beginning, I use the roster a lot - until I get to know the students. Another method I use is the have the last person who responded select another student in the class. Most times I let them select as soon as they respond so that the selected person might have some time to perk up and pay attention.
Judy Mohammed
I like the idea of using the roster. I often only get the first few rows to answer questions. I like to do mini Q&A before a quiz and this is something I will do. Thanks
Michael,
Absolutely! Guide them to understand that they also would enjoy more interaction from other members of the class.
Judy Mohammed
Mona,
I agree. Students enjoy learning when the classes are fun and, since the goal is learning, they should be able to have fun while doing so.
Judy Mohammed
Sometimes it is possible to enlist the help of a student who always has the answer. Taking them aside and talking to them about their role in the class, in a positive way.
