In any educational settings, questions are the base to learning. Especially in a middle level classroom, the students are extremely curious and have a tendency to question everything. However, being young adolescents, they are often too intimidated or self conscious to voice the questions they do have or to even answer questions in front of their peers. I thought that by defining the different types of questions and delving deeper into each type, the book gives great tools to assist teachers in helping students answer questions as well as voice their own. The book was right on when it said that questions are a sign that students are engaged in the lesson plan because it means they are curious about the subject matter and want to dive in deeper.
I also thought the information about reacting to answers and questions from students correctly was extremely valuable. If the teacher reacts poorly to answers given, then their questions will be of no use because the students will be unwilling to answer them. Teachers need to understand wait time and equality, so as to not embarrass students in this sensitive time in their lives. Effective praise is also important and I think not stressed enough. The more comfortable students feel with the teacher and the classroom environment, the more likely they will be to both respond to and generate their own questions.
I agree with you that Middle School students are sometimes too intimidate or self-conscious to voice their opinions. I also believe that when students ask questions they are engaged. In one of my classes in High School we were engaged till then end of the bell because our teacher proposed low-level and high-level questions which made us become more engaged in what we were learning about.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that when students ask question they are engaged, too. Additionally, teacher also can help student become more engaging by giving praise the proper way, like in the book. Also, I believe young adolescent student are timid when answering and asking question, that’s why as teacher we need to maintain a warm environment in our classrooms. A contributor to a warm environment is by having the teacher maintain a respectable attitude when answering and asking questions.
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