Leading Effective Classroom Discussion? Questions Are the Answer

One of the critical features of an active learning environment revolves around students having opportunities to engage in productive classroom discussions about important concepts. Classroom discourse can take on many forms and requires thoughtful consideration and planning by the instructor to be truly effective. This seminar in the Certificate in University Teaching series will focus on facilitating effective classroom discussions using a variety of questioning strategies to promote student engagement, at the same time serving as an assessment tool for instructors. Participants will observe a model teaching lesson that highlights various questioning techniques in action, critique a short videorecorded lesson segment regarding the instructor’s questioning skills, and learn tips for improving their own questioning skills in various instructional situations. The seminar is led by John Tillotson, professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, program director for the College Science Teaching PhD, and Director of Inclusive STEM Teaching Initiatives for the College of Arts & Sciences.