Probing is an excellent way to get the student involved.
Jeffrey,
It is also a way to guide them to a correct response when they may be struggling.
Judy Mohammed
I have found that challenging the students to create valid test questions for each other (sometimes done individually; sometimes as a small group) really yields more challenging questions than some of my own. Yes- Judy I find that this is a valuable tool.
Wendy,
The students also buy into the class more; they feel that they have some measure of control.
Judy Mohammed
What a great idea! It certainly is a challenge to reach the new type of learners. Keeping the students in the "moment" of learning can be exhausting with the low motivation seen when we utilize the straight lecture method of teaching.
Jan,
I did not enjoy the straight lecture classroom so I try to open the class up for interaction and get more students involved.
Judy Mohammed
I would assign a series of questions based on the reading assignment with the understanding that the class would discuss these questions at the next class meeting.
Patrick,
Is it that there are no answers or that there are any answers?
Judy Mohammed
Another approach that has been successful in encouraging students to read the text is to have groups read sections of the text and present the material to the class.
Several groups can cover a chapter of material.
I have also given quizzes on the chapter material.
