Jane,
This is great advice. It seems that you do use questioning well in the classroom.
Judy Mohammed
I have trained over a dozen instructors in my current role and I have a new level of confidence that I have been doing most things correctly because of this course. Much of the questioning techniques discussed were concepts I just had to learn through trial and error, and the application of a little common sense.
While training others I have always encouraged instructors to use open questioning and also to follow up with probing when given an incomplete answer by a student. Many times the student will be able to provide a more complete answer if the question is rephrased in a way to get the student to dig a little deeper. I also have always liked open questions because I believe closed questions simply test a student's short term memorization of facts, but does not guaranty that the student has the ability to apply what she has learned to problem solving.
Another thing I have done, and encourage instructors I've trained is to call on all the students in the class during questioning. There always seems to be a handful of eager students who are anxious to answer every question and many others who will never volunteer an answer. By calling each student by name during questioning it puts a stop to the waving hands, and each student gets to, and more or les has to provide an answer. This encourages each student to think about the question because they never known when they will be called to provide an answer, and it allows the shy students, who may have never volunteered an answer, to demonstrate their abilities and build confidence in what they have learned through answering questions correctly.
The first is to always ask questions. I even write them into my powerpoints, so I ask them freely and off of the presentation material. Also, when a student answers a question incorrectly, I never belittle them. They may not want to answer again. I usually talk about their answer because it is usually good information, it just might not be what I was asking for. Then I rephrase my orginal question. Lastly, pay attention to the type of students you have in the class. If they are a group that is on top of everything, I use a lot of open questions. If it is a group that is a little slower to answer, I start with a lot of closed ended, that go into open ended questions. It helps their self esteem and helps them feel more comfortable to answer in class, even if they are not always correct.
Kenny,
Great technique! I sometimes challenge the students to go and research the answer and bring it back to the class. I also tell my students that they would be surprised at how much they know and, with a little probing, they usually arrive at the correct response.
Judy Mohammed
Rody,
These are great techniqes to share. Questioning is a valuable tool that enhances all of the skills that you speak about.
Judy Mohammed
Heather,
These are both good examples of open-ended questions. They seem like excellent questions to challenge your students.
Judy Mohammed
Many of the different subject I teach requires different strategies for for the students learning, I have tried several ideas to "get the point a cross" I feel the best is to redirect the question back to them and use critical thinking with some guidance. Many of them already know the answer, They just needed to look at in a different way.
I have also turned the question back to the class and ask them if anyone would like to answer the question.
When referring to a collections letter. What might be the difference in patient reactions with a poorly written letter vs. a well written letter? Then tell me why writting a well written collections letter is important to your practice?
Pertaining to questioning techniques, I'd share with the new instructor the importance of asking questions that will encourage critical thinking, group work, raise debate in the classroom.
I have used these three questioning technique and they work beautifully. They stimulate the critical thinking process in the students' mind. Additionally encourage group learning, but most importantly learn how to respectfully debate various difference views and agree to disagree agreeably in certain situations.
I truly believe these three things will encourage the high level educational processes needed in today generation of learners.
Larry,
You are so right! This is very good advice. I always plan my questions into my lectures since I like a very interactive class. The students also enjoy the interaction. I also let them know at the beginning of class that I value what they bring to the class.
Judy Mohammed
1) Avoid yes or no questions.
2) Do some warm up questions with a mix of closed questions to review material from previous days or classes, befor emoving to more demanding open questions.
3) Avoid stepping on student's answers. Questioning is not an excuse for teacher show and tell, rather it is a powerful learning tool for students when properly deplyed.
LE,
This is great advice! It seems that you are a good mentor to new teachers.
Judy Mohammed
First I could suggest patience. Do not fear silence. Give students time to respond. Wait a little after a response.
Second - I would recommend kindness. Position your questions to try to position the student for success. Start easy then probe and redirect in a gentle way. Be sure you are using open questions.
Third - Work to ensure that you find something positive in every answer. This will encourage students to have less fear of failure and increase participation.
James,
Good advice! As instructors, we should always be prepared, but also let the students know that we do not have all the answers.
Judy Mohammed
Lance,
This is great advice. I let studnets know that although I am the instructor, I do not have all of the answers and i do not hesitate to say,"I don't know." I also give it back to the student to do the research and come back with the answer, unless it is a technical issue. Like you, I do not just give the answers, I use probing to help develop their critical thinking skills.
Judy Mohammed
The first three things I would tell him about asking questions would be. Never ask a question you can not answer if the student needs further charification. Be flexible on how the student answers it if the answer is not exactly what you are looking for. And finally, only ask questions that are within the students capability to answer.
Jon,
Good advice! I always plan questions into my lectures - I also plan related life expereinces and jokes.
Judy Mohammed
Chris,
I call on students by name; however, I plan my questions so that the student might be comfortable responding - I also use rephrasing and probing to assist him/her.
Judy Mohammed
First off i would say dont panic you will be fine second i would ask simple questions, Any time you are ask a question by a student try and keep it a simple answer and turn it back on them by answering their question with a question that requires them to think and respond. that will help the student retain information longer.Third thing if you do not know the answer be honest and tell them you will find out for them the answer they know when you are making it up.
the first thing i tell new instructors is to keep moving and ask questions often have a few questions before class
