asking student questions
I usually quiz my students about every 20-30 minutes or after we have covered a difficult topic. Oftentimes students feel embarrassed when they are called on so I always assure them that if they don't know the answer they can say "pass" or I can ask someone else. I will ask them questions again in the same nonthreatening way to show them that I have confidence that they have the knowledge. This seems to work and students don't seem to be nervous or embarassed because of the way I present it.
Hi Michael,
Good way to keep the students engaged. They can see what are the major points in the presented content through the questions you ask.
Gary
I keep my class on their toes and awake by asking questions all the time. I won't ask them a question like a quiz, but make then part of the material and fill in the gaps to help them relate and learn.
I like to "check in" with them often to see what they are thinking about a topic and the learning that is happening in the class. I do this by asking a question at the beginning of class and starting a discussion that leads into the learning for the day.
Hi Peter,
I like this approach. I use it in my classes. Your success in the course is not dependent on the score you get on one big test but lets you know in little assessments how you are doing. This also helps to keep the students engaged in the learning process because they know how they are doing in the course as evidenced by their test scores throughout the course.
Gary
We are moving to a culture of more small quizzes rather than one big final exam at our school. It seems to help the students build confidence with a lot of small successes rather than being so worried about a huge final exam.
Hi Heidi,
I think this is a great approach. I think by quizing the students after 30 minutes is a good way to make sure they understand the topic you just lectured on.
I think the option of saying pass is good, there are many students who feel uncomfortable.
Or, if they do say pass, you can always say, would you like to take a guess? Coach them along with the correct answer.
That's very good, thanks for the tip. At times, when student did not know, he could have help from his group as well but I like better the way You put it.
Good idea Heidi. I have gotten away from the quiz format and gone more into the 5 minute writing reflection. I will have to revisit the review quiz.
Colleen
Hi Heidi,
Good strategy. Thanks for sharing it with us. This is a very good low pressure approach that everyone in the class can participate in and feel comfortable with.
Gary
