Suggestion 89. Give students problems to solve during class time

IF YOU WANT TO:

• Know if the class is understanding you or not

• Know if the students are bored or confused

• Have students apply concepts to demonstrate understanding

• Give help to students who are having difficulty

Giving students problems to solve during class time so that you can observe any difficulties they are having.

One physical science teacher who uses this technique begins by outlining and discussing a major concept. He then gives students a specific short problem and asks them to take 10 minutes to try to apply the new concept.

"While the students are working, I walk up and down the aisles observing. At the end of 10 minutes or so I summarize some of the common errors they made, why I think they made them, and then give them tips on some of the most fruitful strategies for solving that kind of problem."

Having the students try an immediate application of a new concept greatly reinforces their learning, he believes. "By observing how they tackle a problem, I become much more aware of any difficulties they have understanding the concept and can correct those misunder- standings on the spot."

A variation on this technique is used by a dramatic art teacher in studio courses. "Whenever I notice something especially good or bad in a student's work," he says, "I call the other students over and use that as an opportunity to share the information with the group."

Limitations on Use of Suggestion

  Discipline:  None
Course Level:  None
 Course Size:  None
        Mode:  None

Copyright 1983 by the Regents of the University of California

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