Is this question safe?!?
I really enjoyed this lesson, as it highlighted flaws [that I expected it to] in my own methods. I am thinking over some of the questions I currently ask in "closed form", and planning on how to change more into "open form".
However, there's one thing that I think needs to be in place in any classroom to enable more of the improved "open questions/probing/praise, etc" to be applied: a "SAFE" classroom environment. By that I mean the students need to know it's ok to not be 100% correct, and that they can have an opinion without being chastized for it. Maybe this topic is better suited to another area, but I think the best questioning attempts won't help unless the students see responses from the instructor that are in the interests of bettering them. It takes courage to answer an instructor, especially in the presence of an entire classroom. So the "vibe" in that room needs to be one that allows all these good questioning techniques to be applied.
John
I agree with you wholeheartedly. I usually tell my students that this is a SAFE room and that everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. I encourage participation and I ask students to refrain from discussing anything shared in teh class by other students. I share some of my own experiences (not too personal)so that the students feel comfortable.
Judy Mohammed
Hi John:
I agree with you, it is so important for teachers to ensure students that the classroom is a "safe" environment to ask questions. I think professors show students it is a safe environment to ask questions by modeling this behavior as well as constantly reminding students of this. I also think creating a safe environment for students to ask questions comes from us modeling the different types of questions as well.
Mary,
I usually inform my students from Day One that our classroom is safe. I request from all students that inforation shared should not leave the classroom. Students are certainly more likely to share.
Judy Mohammed
John, i completely agree with you and i always encourage questions both during lecure days and production days in the lab. I want my students to feel at ease with no pressure of asking the wrong question. I encourage them to always ask as we can all learn from each other. One tool that i use in the classroon is to ask the class what went well and what areas of improvement on the dryboard and then we problem solve each area and focus on solutions...It works for me and my students appreciate the thought process behind it.
Glenn ,
This is a great technique. I use the running note to continually assess my clss and I also seek feedback from students about how to improve the classes. Like you, I value the knowledge I gain from students.
Judy Mohammed
I agree at times the information gets twisted and tangled during delivery to other students,especially to those that were absent
Nuance,
This is why it is important to review and reteach. Students who are absent with valid excuses can do make-up work in my classes based on the information taught that day.
Judy Mohammed
I generally let my students know on day 1 , that my sole purpose is to impart my knowledge on them and im always open for questions and answer sessions. i make it my top priority to make sure that each and every student feels comfortable to ask questions , I tell them and show them that there is nothing wrong with asking a question and also there is nothing wrong with getting a question wrong .
Russell,
It is a good idea to always give all the information on the first day. Keep up the good job.
Judy Mohammed
I also like to clarify what questions are appropriate or not. I tell my students that I am open-minded, but certain issues that involve prejudice, uncalled for judgements of other students, etc., are not welcomed if they appear to be genuine. I don't mind talking about these issues, but I will not permit students to belittle others based on gender, physical appearance, sexuality preferences, etc.
Robert,
I agree with you. On the first day of class, I let my students know that the classroom is a safe place and nothing stated here by students should leave the class. I teach Sociology and we discuss a variety of issues. Respect is the most importtant rule in my class.
Judy Mohammed
