I think my students are reluctant to admit they do not understand the homework or some other lesson point in fear of 'loosing face', which seems to be a big issue in the country where I teach (as is expressing personal opinions). I have given rules for the class, two of which are "Make mistakes" and "Ask immediately if you are not sure of something" but the pupils seem to have learned that fear and respect of are the same thing.How can I encourage students to ask questions during the class and not after the class is finished? This is what the most courageous and jealous students do. Unfortunately, as glad as I am to help, I don't often have time for it, neither it helps the rest of the class, as I'm sure others have the same concerns.
I know from personal experience how much especially native speakers rely on filling in the part of the word they're not necessarily even aware of not hearing - but students cannot and it is important they hear every syllable. I guess I am fairly quiet speaker most of the time and I feel like I am shouting all the time over the din of humming air con and wooshing fans: any tips to remind me to keep my volyme up throughout the class while sounding normal?
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Dear Friend,
It is important to mark the changes in why you are speaking. Pauses, stress and changes of pitch mean it is much easier to follow what you say. This means you don't have to shout but you have to use the right level pitch at the right time.
Amir Abbass Ravayee
You are right. Sometimes, students are afraid to ask questions during class. In all cultures , I believe, they fear losing face. So, what I actually do is train them gradually to ask questions. It is a two step process. First, I train them to repeat my instructions, or I pause at critical points in the lesson and randomly ask a student to tell me in his own words what I just said, or I ask a student to summarize the gist of what I was explaining.
Believe me after a while they realize that my pop quiz questions are coming, so gradually they come to the realization that it is better to ask if you do not understand than be asked and be put on the spot. This is stage two I was talking about. The inherent realization that you need to ask questions when in doubt or when you do not understand is the best learning strategy. Rania
This is an universal problem. This is precisely where the culture that you create in the class plays an important role. The hard fact is students fear that if their question is not relevant or silly, they will be branded as dumbos throughout. Internal disturbances do affect the momentum of the class.
You could probably get some fellow teachers and ask them to take the last seat. You can then start delivering your lecture, assuming your session is going on. Take a feedback from your fellow teachers, as to whether you are audible and the quality of your voice. Try to see if you can do away with the fan or air conditioner. Another option would be to see if there is some technical hitch, so that the sound can be reduced.
You are bound to get smarties in each and every batch. Make it a point to make shy students talk and put all smarties in their place, if they try to act smart. Make each session interactive and keep on going at this particular set of shy students, by motivating them to speak and gently pushing them. There is sure to be a huge improvement, though it will take time.