Eric,
People like when you take tiem to learn their names, especially when they are a little difficult or different. I always ask them to say their name, if I have difficulty, and I write it the way I would spell the correct pronounciation so that I cna say it correctly the next time.
Judy Mohammed
David,
Great advice! I practice these in my classrooms as well. During the first two weeks, I use the roster to help me learn the names.
Judy Mohammed
The ability to use open and probing questions will help the instructor to make better use of his time and keep the students engaged
Dave,
Your first point is very important in setting a tone for the class that says I care enough to know who you are which can help significantly in putting students at ease and knowing they are ok to participate in asking and answering questions.
The 1st 3 most important things I would want a new instructor to know is:
1) Learn the student's names. This help to connect with the students on several levels and shows the students you really care enough about them.
2) Do not put any student on the spot by calling out their name and then asking them a direct question. Tell the class that you know they have questions and that I am looking for someone who wants to ask 1st.
3) When in lecture, move about the room. This lets the students know you are actively participating in their learning.
I use these best teaching practices and more daily as an instructor.
Scot,
Can you elaborate on not accepting the student's first answer?
Judy Mohammed
I would tell them to ask why three times. Don’t be afraid to not except the student’s first answer. Help them to draw on the information that they have and to be engaged in the learning process.
Joseph ,
You sound like you have great experience. Patience is a virtue and, as teachers, we surely must exercise this virtue.
Judy Mohammed
Joseph ,
I use this all the time. I know soem educators shy away from this; however, I find that it helps to keep the studnets focused.
Judy Mohammed
Matthew,
Excellent advice! Students love stories about real life situations, so using analogies keep the classes interesting. having the studnets work in pairs or groups is great for the interaction among them - it fosters a supportive learning environment.
Judy Mohammed
Judy,
Excellent advice! I have employed questioning as an integral part of my teaching methods.
Judy Mohammed
Manuel,
Great idea! I have always used questioning in teaching because I beleive that it guides students to employ great critical thinking skills.
Judy Mohammed
Scott,
This is wonderful advice; it no only builds confidence in students, it also teaches them to think through the process of arriving at the correct answer.
Judy Mohammed
Mike,
It is easier to draw them out with interpretation or open ended questions since closed ended questions often require a right or wrong answer. With open ended questions you have more leverage to guide them to the correct answer through probing.
Judy Mohammed
John,
Probing is good. We are often able to elicit good responses through probing. Sometimes though, I find it necessary to open the question to everyone when I realize that a student may be struggling to respond and my goal is not to embarrass him or her.
Judy Mohammed
Katherine,
Thank you for sharing. You remind me of the reason why it is said that "teaching is an art." You seek out ways to make students feel at ease and this can only improve the learning environment.
Judy Mohammed
Mark ,
Very good strategies! I also try to call on enveryone and I deliberately ask less challenging questions to some students so that they would be successful in their responses.
Judy Mohammed
Grace ,
This is so true. Keeping students engaged is fundamental to teaching. I seek out funny stories to incorporate into my lectures so that I can keep them engaged.
Judy Mohammed
Kimberly,
Pausing after a question can be difficult. I know because I often feel that I have so much material to deliver and not enough time, but pausing allows students to get their thoughts together and I receive stimulating responses.
Judy Mohammed
Kimberly,
It sounds like you are doing a great job as a mentor. Questioning is an integral part of learning and it is important for teachers to understand how to use the various forms of questioning. Communication in the online setting is also very sensitive since the messages can be interpreted in diverse ways.
Judy Mohammed
