Kevin,
Great techniques! Sometimes I even challenge them to create test questions while reading the material and I sometimes use one question from each student (not in the same test).
Judy Mohammed
I would give them a chance to reed the material and ask the questions again. Also, I might like to give them a pop quiz after they have satisfactorally answered the questions to see if they have absorbed the material.
Jeanne,
It is great to see that you are recognizing the changes in students and are actively reaching out to them. Sometimes, it is easier to just do what we know and trudge on. We need to be aware of our students' everchanging needs and adjust our own methods. Great job!
Judy Mohammed
I developed an in-class 'fill in the blank' worksheet for each chapter and then take my quiz questions from those worksheets. The students really appreciate them because it gives them something to search for instead of simply reading or copying sentences for outlines. I lecture on the high points & then they can fill out the worksheets in small groups. As questions arise, I address them with the whole class and move on.
I'm fairly new (3yrs) to instructing and had a bit of a struggle acclimating to how these students 'study now' vs when I was a student. 'Reading the chapter' seems to take too long and they lose focus....or so they say. I learned quickly that there's a whole new world in education/student motivation/& priorities than when I was in school.
My students are smart and show a real desire to learn but they do not like reading unless they have some type of interaction such as 'crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, or do presentations,etc...
Low pop quiz scores were somewhat motivating, but the above mentioned ways have increased test scores significantly more due to their engagement.
John,
Questioning leads to great discussions in class. It also allows us opportunities to check students' understanding.
Judy Mohammed
Pop quizes based on the reading assignment can work well for a quick discussion at the beginning of class, regardless of points assigned. If the concepts involved may be seen by the instructor as difficult, and are verified by student responses, supplemetary material in the form of additional readings or (better yet) simulations may be used to follow up.
John,
I always give it to the class to do the research, however, I also do my own research so that I am prepared.
Judy Mohammed
Re-assign the reading, be more specific. If possible make it a group assignment. Let the class aware of the consequences.
Stephanie,
I would take points away from all of them and have them read the work aloud in class by turns. You may also want to try giving pop quizzes at the beginning of class on the assigned reading. I also train students to do overviews on the reading since many of them work, have families, and are students.
Judy Mohammed
