Redirect Questions

When a student asks a question, look to the rest of the class to respond. This technique produces greater interactions among students. Misconceptions in students' thinking can also be addressed at this time. 

Encouraging Classroom Participation

Include review questions for each class period in your syllabus or make them available to students before each class meeting. Ask students to write questions on the board at the beginning of class. Use these questions to start your discussion. Students will be encouraged to do the reading and be more engaged during class.

Wait Time

Allow students 5-10 seconds to answer questions. If no one responds, rephrase, repeat or simplify the question and wait an additional 5-10 seconds. Research shows that additional wait time increases the number and quality of responses from students.

Notable Ideas

Help your students take and use notes more effectively. Show them the organization of your lecture — write an outline on the board. Students usually record whatever is put on the board, so be discriminating in use of the board or overheads. Tell students what is important. Use signaling phrases like "this is important" or "these differ in three ways."

Go Green

To lessen students' uneasiness about losing points, grade with a green pen instead of red. It emphasizes that their errors are corrections rather than failures.