I would like to continue on the ideas of last week's post. There were so many great comments that brought new thoughts to my mind. I talked about some questions that I always ask my students, but what if my original question doesn't make sense? I think one thing that helps me with the "wait time" is during the thinking time, I rephrase the questions or sometimes repeat the question. I know that sometimes when I am in a lecture setting and a question is asked I didn't hear or understand the question, so I just give up thinking about whatever they want me to think about. I have found that it is helpful to me and my students if they hear the question over and over again, or perhaps asked in a different way.
The key here is to develop a safe classroom setting where the students feel comfortable to share their ideas, even if they might be wrong. That's the hard part!
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I like your comment about restating/rephrasing questions. I often ask my students, "Do you understand what I just said or do I need to repeat or rephrase it?" Almost always I will have at least one student ask if I will repeat or rephrase a question or comment. One key to learning is internalizing information, but they must understand what they are trying to internalize.
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ReplyDeleteTake two... I like your goal of creating a comforable, safe classroom where kids are willing to share. Students do not always learn what I am trying to teach, and sometimes it is not even remotely close to my lesson objectives. Being willing to share often expands everyones learning curve. A funny example...a father teaches his son how to build a bird house. Instead, the son learns how to swear and how fast a blood blister can develop, even though the finished birdhouse looks great!
Good thought--leading a good discussion is a great skill to have. Make sure in future posts that you address your thoughts related to the main questions (i.e. What is learning?/How is it effectuated?).
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