Get Your Students Hired
I really enjoyed the video clip. And yes there are students that like to raise hand and ask questions and comment. I have found that these students are usually very smart and eagar to get involved and gain most from the class content. Although they do slow you down and the class and keeps bring you back the topics you have covered already.
Sometimes I feel that the class gains from it as we get to discuss previously covered topics and referesh everyone's memory. In addition to that I get a feel for how many students retained the information and to what extent as I tend to involve everyone when I am answering the overly curious student.
Pierre,
Good way to set the procedure you want your students follow in terms of asking questions that are of value. Everyone in the class should feel comfortable in asking questions knowing that you will do your best to answer them or if you don't know the answers do the research needed to find the answers.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I usually say something to my students on the first day of class, as we discuss what "class participation" means, that they should try to pay close attention to the rhythm and swing of our conversations, so that their questions are on target and timely.
I suppose this is my way of cautioning those students who might ask a question simply to "earn participation points." I emphasize quality over quantity when it comes to questions.
(Not that I won't try to answer any questions my students have.)
I enjoyed the video clip as well and could visualize the students who constantly raise their hands, as well as the one or two who revert to previous conversation.
I try to acknowledge the student who rarely speaks and provide an opportunity for him/her to have the floor. In turn, the students with their hands raised a lot are asked to allow others a turn to share.
Hi Kodee,
This approach enables you keep the class flow going but still answer the questions of the students. Good way to meet the different needs of your students.
Gary
I sometimes have students write down their questions during a lecture i don't want sidetracked. Then address every question in a big Q&A session
Hi Donald,
Little things like the hand raising that was pointed out in the video that can be overlooked by the instructor and before one knows it the class has become some what derailed in the instructional flow of the class. It is good to be reminded of these issues so we can keep ourselves and our students focused on the forward progress of the class.
Gary
I really enjoyed the video clip as well. I have to admit that I'd never given much thought regarding a student who has had their hand in the air for an extended period of time.
There's no question that when you finally respond to that particular student, that they end up taking you back in your class discussion.
Hello Asha,
I agree with you. Additionally, the student who raises their hand and is ignored (as suggested on the video) is now for sure not listening. The student is now focused on getting their question answered. It is my belief that if a student needs clarification or has a question you answer it. After all they are paying for their education and the student is not only a student but a customer.
I confess to being stunned that we still use hand-raising. It's great room management and useful for rules of engagement to keep a class moving forward. But if that's the rule, it makes free and open interaction a little awkward. Much of the discussion in the lesson advocates open interaction. The two extremes were well defined...those trying to dwell too long on a topic and those making an effort to hijack the conversation. I find the comments about how to manipulate questions to keep on track, defer questions until later, or permit a brief excursion to satisfy a legitimate diversion are more useful.
Hi Bruce,
What seems like a little thing to us can be a big thing to the students. We need to pause and try to "think" like a student once in a while to make sure we are meeting student needs like we should.
Gary
I agree that a simple acknowledgement and then returning to a possable unanswered question is helpfull in keeping the lesson on plan without possable segway into sidline issues.
I TO REALLY ENJOYED THE CLIP ON HAND RAISING,NEVER REALLY THOUGHT THAT WHEN YOU LEAVE A HAND UP FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME THE STUDENT DOES BACK UP THE LECTURE. GE T THE RAISED HAND ANSWERED ASAP SO YOU CAN MOVE ON.
I do believed this is a great way to keep the student attention.And class being into the subject being studed.
I liked the film on the hand raising. It provided some thought on good and bad out comes from picking that student with his hand up.
I've also found that these types of raised hand situations also open up new areas of discussion... a new thread, related to, but not exactly the same as the original...which can be interesting
I agree all the way. It is extremly rude to ignore a student who is wanting to participate. No matter how not so enlightened the student's comment may be. The students are there to interact and not just be preached to.
I do the same and tell them to hold on and always go back to them when I am finished with my thought. The students deserve our respect as we do from them.
I actually find that just saying "Scott, I'll get to you in a second, let me finish my thought" is a really easy way of getting hands to go down. Then, of course, the challenge is to remember to call on that student when you're done.
But, honestly, I just find it kind of rude to ignore raised hands. If we're all about learning, and we want the students engaged... it would seem like we should call on those who have their hands up. Even if they have to wait a minute or two. Granted, yes, I realize we only have so many minutes in a class, and so much material to cover, and it's good to leave students "wanting more"... but, I don't know that I could bring myself to ignore someone who was actively engaged in the discussion and had a question.
Just my thoughts,
Michael
Hi Kevin,
Yes, this happens quite often with students. This is where the instructor has to really work and maintain control of the delivery of content. If the student succeeds in "highjacking" the lecture/demonstration for that day, that individual will continue to do so for the remainder of the course and that makes for a very looooooooong course for you and the other students.
Gary