Get Your Students Hired
After completing the course, I realized that I am guilty of over-using procedural questions and worse, using the "filler" questions like "does that make sense?", "OK?", etc. I think I need to practice my speaking skills, as those types of questions help fill space when you are nervous or trying to maintain your train of thought. Does anyone have any advice on eliminating filler questions that arise out of nervousness?
Laura,
Using open questions is a good way to review previous work. Questions definitely let us know what we need to review or reteach.
Judy Mohammed
I sometimes get this too. And I think adding "to you" does bring it back to the students in a more concrete and encouraging way. Usually, when the deer in the headlights look is particularly widespread, I do I try to back up and break the topic down into smaller chunks, with some "closed" questions interspersed. Or, I make a note to myself to start the next session with some questions, usually more "open," for the class on that particular topic. Sometimes they "get it," but haven't had enough time to "own it" yet. Giving them overnight to mull it over and decide whether or not it really does make sense helps them feel better about saying "yes" or "all except this part."
Fred,
Questioning is a wonderful way to bring clarification with students who are struggling. We can easily identify which material needs to be revisited and help those students.
Judy Mohammed
I too use the phrase "Does that make sense?". I also agree with some others that this is a valid question to ask, but maybe I should add the words "to YOU" to that question. Just today, I had some students with the deer in the headlight look, but they didnt say anything. I took the time to explain my presentation further to their satisfaction.
Monte,
You are so right. We feel uncomfortable with dead air; however, once we realize how effective wit time can be, it becomes easier for us.
Judy Mohammed
I do the same thing. I think maybe more observation than asking? Do they look confused? ANd I find if they seem bored it's not because they don't get it but they are ready to move on. If they check out why would I ask if they get it? It's like using um or ah all the time. It just fills silence and does nothing. I guess we should have some confidence in ourselves and them.
Timothy,
I continually use questions and walk around the class. It is hard for them to be hypnotized.
Judy Mohammed
I find myself asking procedural questions just to get a reaction from the students to be sure that i havent accidentally hypnotized them.
Eloise,
This is a great technique. Thank you so much for sharing. I will remember to use it when needed.
Judy Mohammed
When I teach Public Speaking and have a student filling the time to think with "noise" - I am able to solve the problem by having them hold a highlighter in one hand very tightly. This brings- in a sublte way the body into full focus. They find they no longer have dead air and are on track and fully present.
Andrew,
Do you get responses that lead you to give more information on topics?
Judy Mohammed
I use the phrase "does that make sense" quite often, after explaining a complex proceedure or a long series of tests that arrive at a conclusion. I don't find it to be a bad question. I'm not using it to fill time, I am looking for any questions without using the dreaded cliche "any questions?"
Aaron,
Good technique! It helps to keep us on to keep us on task so we can complete the scheduled lecture,
Judy Mohammed
Variety in questions is useful in keeping students on task during lectures. I like to ask simple closed questions during lectures before going on to a new concept or subjects. Asking more complex open questions at the end of lectures requiring understanding of the material.
Steve,
This method is very proactive; it does not only allow you time, it gives time for thought ot the students. I had to learn this since dead air made me nervous at first.
Judy Mohammed
Lindsey,
One technique that I have found useful is that I include a variety of questions in my lecture. Once I start using them and become accustom to them, the questions become a natural part of the lecture.
Judy Mohammed
I believe most people use those types of fillers because of the belief that dead air is bad. When actually, especially in a class environment, pauses promote thought. Allowing yourself to slow down and not continually fill the air with sound can help students absorb information and help the speaker better plan what they want to say. Recognizing that you have that habit is the first step, next allow some dead air, use that time to relax and stay on track.