About half way through my practicum, I asked my students for feedback, I asked them what I should start doing, stop doing, and continue doing for their learning. I received an overwhelming number of feedback cards that said, "stop picking on us for answers." I was at a loss of what to do, I didn't what to stop asking them questions all together but I needed a way that would be safer for them. So, I tried this:
I ask the first question and throw the ball to a student; as I ask more questions the student throws the ball to another student. First, saying their name, then, making eye contact with the receiver before throwing the ball. If someone knows the answer and wants the ball, they signal to the thrower that they are open and typically the ball is thrown to them. If the student doesn’t know the answer, they simply pass the ball on. I found this technique was successful because students had some time to think before answering and had the opportunity to pass. This ball also lights up and that entertained these high school kids to no end :)
What questioning strategies have worked for your classes?