A scenario: You have a beautiful lecture prepared, as well as a structured discussion, but the whole thing relies on the students having read and actually engaged with the readings for the week, and to have generated some writing. Your worst fears come true when you discover in the first 10 minutes that not only are the students unprepared, but are totally disengaged.
Here are some pre-emptive strikes to avoid any or all scenarios like the above.
TQE // QQC
Providing structure to readings gives students a sense of what’s expected of them. These two strategies effectively engage students in an activity as they’re reading, which is then expanded on in the classroom.
See how these instructors use this strategy to have more meaningful discussions:
Entrance / Exit Slips
Having students reflect when arriving to class and at the end of class places an emphasis on preparedness and learning. This technique makes this check-in visible!
And for active learning that doesn’t require talking, Ideo Blog’s guide for brainstorming:
If they don’t arrive prepared, do the readings in class! Prompt the mastery of materials, especially core concepts, with the Jigsaw Method!