Week Seven Prompt (2/28 - 3/4)

Week 7
Think about the questions students ask you about the mathematical concepts and procedures that they are studying in the classes that you teach. Also, think about how you respond to these questions.

Give some examples of questions that students ask you about mathematical concepts and procedures. How do you respond to their questions? What do you learn from their questions? What have you learned from responding to their questions?


I try to welcome student questions as many times as possible during my lessons. I don’t want to have students fall behind because they are confused and didn’t have the opportunity to ask. When I am teaching I do not feel students take advantage of the time I give them to ask questions. There are a few students I can count on to ask questions that others may have. When they ask these questions, it is typically for me to clear up something I said or for me to explain a procedure I carried out, or for me to check their work (this seems to be the most popular question) “Did I do this correct? Is this answer right?”. There are a few students in all the classes that have asked a question about linking concepts together. More questions are asked individually rather than as a class. The comfort level of one on one interaction probably plays into this.
When students ask me to check their work, I try to have them explain to me what they did to get that answer instead of me just simply seeing if they have the right answer. I want them to be able to explain how they arrived at the answer and the process they took to get it. This gives me an opportunity to assess their understanding, and answer their questions as well.
With more advanced questions, I try to help them answer their own question rather than just simply give them what they are looking for. I want them to learn from their questions instead of me telling them the correct answer. This will help them learn and work at a deeper level. I lead them to the correct answers.
Responding to their questions has taught me what students struggle with during lessons. I can focus on things that I know they will struggle with while I teach them. I have also learned after I answer their question, to ask if they understand what I just said. I have had several times where I will answer their question and then move on to someone else, and I notice they still have a confused look on their face. By asking if they understand gives them a chance to ask a follow up question or for clarification.
Once I answer a question, especially on a homework problem, I like to observe them work through their problem they are working on to see if they are understanding what I helped them with. This gives me an opportunity to check their understanding and level of ability on the new material.