If I mentor a new instructor, I'll try to make feel comfortable with the class set up as well as the students..
I'll teach him to do open question to be able to open some debates with the students. I'll tell him to question the students about their backgrounds, maybe about what they would like to do in their future and how to achieve their goals.
I'll tell him to praise the students with good answers to make him appreciated by them.
1. Different types of questioning
2. wait time
3. maintaining the student's self esteem and dignity
My first suggestion is to know who your students are and ask them some introductory questions to gage their level of knowledge at the beginning of a course. Secondly, I would suggest to ask questions of the person who does not raise their hands as often as they do with those who raise their hands for every question. Lastly, I would suggest to make an example(in a positive way) of tough questions answered.
Linda,
This can be successful. Probing is another technique that you can try.
Judy Mohammed
I agree, sometimes I try to reword the initial question in terms they can understand better.
Lisa,
This is very good advice. Questioning does all that you have listed.
Judy Mohammed
The three things that I would share with a new instructor are the following:
1. Keep the students on their toes and encourage them the critically think.
2. Start a list of good questions that the class can research to find the answer on a give topic.
3. Use a variety of questioning techniques to reinforce materials.
Carlos,
This is very true and good advice. As teachers, we should promote critical thinking and your advice leads to this.
Judy Mohammed
I would try to have him use some closed questions but to a lesser degree so he could attain more knowledge and interaction through open questions.
On the open questions I would suggest a variety of styles in comprehension as well as application so this will enhance their learning and show the effectiveness of the knowledge.
I would also have him motivate the students through reinforcement and praise according to the extent warranted so they are truly motivated. These three things would aid in their education and help keep them challenged,stimulated, and enthused.
Daniel,
This is excellent advice. You are right on all counts.
Judy Mohammed
1. that questions are just as important as written assessments since they give you instant feedback on how well you are delivering.
2. Ask thought provoking questions rather than yes / no or simple answer questions (open rather than closed questioning) as they get so much more involvement and lend to thinking rather than memorizing.
3. don't "shotgun" people with questions, ask the question, wait... call on a student, wait.... respond. people need time to reflect on the question and formulate an answer
Lora,
For this reason, I do not allow the students to use electronics, including phones, in my classes.
Judy Mohammed
Lora,
Excellent advice! I hope you have opportunities to mentor new instructors.
Judy Mohammed
Lora,
You've got it right. Open questions work well for classroom discussions but when you are running out of time, you revert to closed questions.
Judy Mohammed
Theodore,
Open questions also lead to critical thinking, which should be encouraged in classes.
Judy Mohammed
Yes, just Google it is just an easy way out. Students are depending on technology to answer questions for them rather than using their critical thinking skills.
For a new instructor I would encourage them to build rapport with their students. If a student makes a good observation in class, give them some positive feedback. I would also encourage this new instructor to make an effort to draw all the students into the discussion by writing comments on the white board and asking questions that apply to the entire group.
Questions that will be the main focus should be identified in advance and from there a strategy and plan can be mapped out for the discussion and lecture for that particular class session.
Questions should be exploratory-probe for facts and basic knowledge.
Include challenge questions, that examine assumption.
Relational questions, that ask for comparisons to themes, ideas and issues.
Lastly, be sure to avoid asking yes or no questions since this will just leave the student to answer with a quick yes or no or just a short answer.
Bloom's Taxonomy is a good guide to help come up with questions to ask when you are a new instructor.
Thanks Todd! It's good to know the difference between open and closed questions. If you can just ask a student what is the _______? Then, the answer can only be one thing. It is the open ended questions that really get students thinking and using their critical thinking skills. I appreciate your insight.
When talking to a new instructor about using questions in the classroom, I would tell the instructor that some taught should be given to the types of questions that the new instructor uses. Closed questions are good and can be effectively used in situations such as quick reviews, lesson summaries and short quizzes. I would also recommend that the instructor use open questions. Open questions are effective because they help to determine how well a student understands a concept and how well a student can use what she knows to solve real problems.
Wendy,
Very good advice! I sometimes use closed-ended questions when I am in a rush for time. Initially I use my roster to ensure that I call on each student and I try to learn their names very quickly.
Judy Mohammed
