We have all heard this question over and over in classrooms. Not only in grade school, but also in our college classes as well. Do people really understand everything we just went over? Not a single question was asked about the topic. In Ben Johnson's article, Asking Better Questions, he proposes that sometimes the student are not even fully aware that they do not understand what is going on. Questions are a very important part of learning. If you never question things will you ever understand it? He also says that as teachers, we do not always know everything. We stand up in front of the class, give a lecture on a topic, and turn around and ask questions like we have never even heard of the material. Keeping the students on their toes with questions help them pay closer attention during that lecture. He also stated that when asking a class a question wait three seconds after, then call on someone to answer it. Their initial reaction is to think of the answer, because no one likes to be called on and not know what they are even talking about. It keeps them actively engaged, and helps the teacher know who understands and who is having problems.
In the video, Open Ended Questions , Andi Stix talks about why we should use open ended questions as teachers. If we ask open ended qquestions it provokes a higher level of thinking. For example, She uses "Describe in detail..." or "Generate a list...". Those starters make you think longer, and harder about the questions that are asked. Class discussions are an easy way to let students teach other students. Any subject you want to know more about open ended questions are the way to go.
I like your comment, "Class discussions are an easy way to let students teach other students". I believe that not only should teachers teach, but students should help each other. Every one is involved in the progress of society. I know that I will incorporate discussions in my classroom because this allows students to hear different ideas and not only mine as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI love how you started your blog! I know I certainly have heard that question hundreds of times in my life. It was very well written, other than a couple of minor mistakes. Student should be students in sixth sentence. "He also says that as teachers, we are not always know everything.," needs work as well. There are some other small problems, such as comma placement and capital letters that need to be corrected too, but overall, it was a wonderful post. I agree that using open-ended questions will benefit everyone. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteOverall good job!
ReplyDeleteTry to break your post into paragraphs or add breaks so that it isn't one long paragraph.