You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned......
You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned......
( Or, how to get SMSC, questioning, literacy AND deep thinking in the same learning session)
This activity really makes people think. It also works just as well with post 16 as it does with lower school.
Tell the student( s) that they have just been arrested and charged with being an outstanding learner / user / specialist in your area.
Get them to identify and explain 5 bits of evidence that either prove or disprove the charge. Encourage the use of VCOP and reward with time off for good behaviour!
Many students, across the ability range, fear making mistakes and are reluctant to take risks. This includes giving a wrong answer in front of the class, or expressing an idea that is not accepted or valued by their peers. This‘ peer fear’ can be a significant barrier to learning.
The fear of making a mistake will reduce the learning potential of question asking. Many studies have found that students’ willingness to take risks in class reduces as they get older. So, what strategies can we use to help promote a supportive environment in which students offer suggestions and test ideas without fear?
þ Always thank students for their contribution
þ Ask‘ How can we find out?’ Rather than‘ What is the answer?’
þ Value mistakes- discuss and recognise their potential for learning and showing progress
þ Create a display of unanswered questions, to which the students are invited to respond
þ Allow time- don’ t make your students feel rushed.
þ Develop and use nonverbal responses
þ Pose open questions often and point out the possibility of multiple answers
þ Respond to the reasoning behind the response
þ Recognise and appreciate divergent and creative answers
þ Avoid the use of‘ right’ and‘ wrong’ and‘ good’ or‘ bad’ in relation to answers wherever possible.
It is useful to create a learning environment as a‘ blame free’ zone where making mistakes is an integral part of the learning process. Get the class to agree ground rules for question / answer sessions:
Adapted from‘ Questioning Technique Pocketbook’ by Gorden Pope. Available for all staff to look at in the staff section of the library.