The reason why teachers ask questions in class is to engage the student in the discussion and try to determine if the children understand the topic. I learned from the article "The right way to ask questions in the classroom" that It is critical that we structure the questions in such a way that requires a response from each student, not just a select group of 'smart kids'. One effective approach is to ask a question…. pause for 3 seconds and then call on a student to answer. Because you are calling on random students, each student will be thinking of an answer in case you call their name. If you ask a question and want a 'show of hand's', you typically get the same students that answer the questions and the ones that don't raise their hands disengage from the discussion. It is important that you ask questions that will stimulate a response and active participation. when you prepare for class, write down a list of questions that you can ask the students. The students may ask you questions too, so be prepared for that. Include in your notes when you will pause from the discussion and ask the questions. Asking questions throughout the class will keep the children engaged.
In the article, "Asking questions to improve learning", the writer shared some 'Strategies for asking questions'. First think of the subject matter and communicate facts, ideas, and ways of thinking that will help them learn. Try not to ask 'leading questions' that are phrased where it suggests its own answer Instead, you want the child to think on their own and come up with a unique response. If you ask a 'yes' / 'no' question, follow up with asking them to provide an example of why they chose that response. Make sure your questions are direct, specific and clearly stated. During classroom discussions, you should only ask one question at a time. Children will be confused if too much is asked at one time. You want to keep them focused.
Hi Ashley
ReplyDeleteI am an EDM 510 graduate student that has had the opportunity to observe teachers teaching in the classroom and I have also had the opportunity to teach some classes. I have found, from my experience, that trying to get everyone involved is indeed the key to having a successful participation in the classroom. This way no one really feels singled out or left out. Your post indicates that you have realized this and it does really work. You will have some students that will not want to participate but if they know that they may get called on (in my case will get called on), they will be more apt to try and find a solution.
You also indicated that the writer in "Asking questions to improve learning" stated that you should have clearly stated your question and you should only ask one question at a time. This is very true as too many questions being posed at once is a catastrophe in the classroom unless you ask different questions of different individuals.
I enjoyed reading your post. It was really good and I hope that I get the chance to comment on another one of your posts in the future.
Project/problem/challenge based learning depends on having driving questions. Questions do not have to be answered immediately. Research, investigation, careful exploration, thinking are all required before we can truly answer questions.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of waiting three seconds, then calling on a student to answer. I agree that when you ask for a show of hands, you usually get the same children wanting to answer. I can remember hating when I was called to answer a question when I did not raise my hand, but most of the time I knew the answer I just did not want to answer. Great job.
ReplyDeleteWhen teachers just call on the students who have their hands up she will keep picking the same students over and over again. The three second idea is great! It gives everyone the time to think of what they would say. This was something Mrs. Faile did in my Spanish class at south last year. She would either call on random people until she got to everybody that day or go in order through the whole room. Either way you never knew when she would call on you or go backwards through the roll. It kept you engaged and ready to answer! Engage, not entertain is what we will have to do as educators! Great post!
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