For this weeks blog I would like to discuss the importance of assessment in the field of education. More importantly I would like to specifically address how effective questioning during class can help promote effective student learning.
It is important to use positive questioning techniques and never punish students by asking them questions. Negative questioning can lead to lowered student attentiveness and eventual shut down of the educational process. Students need to know that answering questions is a way to effectively relay information that they have learned to the teacher. If this positive teaching experience is soured by using questioning as a punishment, then the teacher losses a powerful teaching tool.
One of the most effective questioning techniques is using “wait time” which is method that can be used to promote learning. Wait time can be defined as a three step process that include: asking a question, pausing, and then calling on a student. This method allows students a moment to think about their response before they are called upon. The use of wait time has many benefits including less teacher talking, less repetition of student’s responses, and more questions that lead to multiple responses. Some of the benefits that students experience in this method include: longer responses, higher achievement, less confusion, and an increased complexity of answers.
Wait time can also be used after the question is posed, and by using proper wait time the student responses lead to further development and complex thinking. Wait time can also encourage other students to interject their ideas on a certain topic. Students will prosper in this type of questioning method because it will eventually lead to a routine. Once the students are use to the questioning techniques there will be no longer any awkward silences and students will fill in the gaps with educational responses.
In conclusion, assessment methods are a tool that educators can use to determine what the students are learning. More importantly, questioning techniques are needed to be used as a positive way to relay information to the teacher. Questioning methods should not be used as a punishment for this will hinder the educational process. Effective use of wait time can enhance learning among students. It is up to the teacher to promote a positive learning environment that students can feel free to express their thoughts, and the use of effective question techniques can only enhance their learning.
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I fully agree with the information presented. Effective questioning opens up the playing field (classroom) to all students. In this setting, the instructional strategy is to share information, both student and teacher. It is a time to evaluate student verbal responses and monitor student non-verbal responses. This can be an informal or formal questioning environment, but either way it is an exchange of ideas and information concerning the content and knowledge of the lesson at hand. If the teacher respects student responses and guides the questioning throughout, this can be a very effective manner of eliciting student knowledge to help teach the lesson.
ReplyDeleteUsing proper questioning techniques is a learned process; I must say I have learned this along the way. The manner in which a question is posed is just as important as the answer itself. I like using both formal and informal questioning- though I have observed I get more thoughtful responses using informal questioning techniques.
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