Staying focused on topic in use of questions.
What are your thoughts on redirecting student answers to questions when student responses are off topic, etc.?
I usually respond to students responses even it is off the topic. By quickly answering them satisfies the student and others can focus on the redirected questions.
Sheryl,
This is so true that sometimes you just need to let the discussion go on, especially if the points make sense. Then, I need to play catch up and just ask closed ended questions.
Judy Mohammed
I FIND THAT SOMETIMES THE SLIGHT DISTRACTION OF A STUDENT GOING OFF TOPIC CREATES NEW ENERGY IN THE CLASSROOM. I ALLOW IT TO ENGAGE QUIET STUDENTS, THEN I BRING THEM ALL BACK TO THE ORIGINAL TOPIC IN A FRIENDLY WAY.
Phuong,
This is very true. As teachers, we need to be mindful of the time and how much time we have to spend on off-topic discussions. I plan time for this.
Judy Mohammed
Jay,
This is good, getting them to reflect on the question as well as their response.
Judy Mohammed
I allow the student to speak about the topic, or share a senerio, to a point. If it totally becomes off topic, I redirect them to the question at hand and bring the classroom back to the topic we are speaking of. By not stopping this, it will cause a distraction in the classroom and will have another student to begin speaking about something off topic as well.
I like to ask how they feel their response is related to the question and give a little more information maybe reframe the question I just asked.
Andrew,
This is very good. I also never tell students their answers are wrong; however, I guide them to the correct information by probing or getting other class members involved.
Judy Mohammed
Whenever I am using questions in the class room I always try to find a reason why the student answer is right, sometimes it’s a big stretch but the students feel safe in answering questions in my class room.
John,
This is a time when I have to take charge and bring the class back to the topic. I discuss this on the first day when I explain my expectations. I let them know that we have an interactive class and, although I allot time for discussions, I keep track of time and the delivery of the curriculum. Therefore, I sometimes have to cut off the discussions to bring the class back to the topic.
Judy Mohammed
