Waiting for answers
I try to use open discussions in all of the topics that I am teaching. By asking questions I can usually figure out which students are really listening and which students are not. I try not to pick on any one person, because I do not want them to feel embarressed or ashamed if they really don't know the answers. I find that to be a very fine line to cross. If we are reviewing for an upcoming exam, I usually get a good response from the students. Most of them are eager to answer the questions however there are those who will just stay quiet and take notes. I don't like to put the students on blast.
Kate,
The key here is preparation. Since I use questioning so much, I plan the questions into my lectures.
Judy Mohammed
I agree. It can be difficult and uncomfortable for everyone when a student does not know the answer to a questions. It can throw off the momentum of a class session. I think I will work harder on coming up with lots of questions ahead of time, some of them easy some hard, some open, and some simple recall so than there is so much back and forth that one misstep by student would get not draw so much attention.
Donald,
I also use these suggestions and I find them very effective. When I probe students who disagree with the correct answer, we(the class and I) get them to understand how to arrive at the correct response. This is very helpful.
Judy Mohammed
Two good suggestions.
To get all students involved, I find asking on student a question, then survey the other students if they agree or do not agree.
Then picking another student to support their findings or understanding. This then goes to others who start to build to the correct complete response. Learning has occurred.
Joyce,
While I understand your method, I feel it is important for all students to be prepared to respond to questions. For the ones who struggle to respond, I help them by breaking down the question and probing to guide them.
Judy Mohammed
