Hand Raising
One of the key points that stood out for me in this article was the fact that the use of raised hands in our classrooms could be hindering students ability to participate actively in quality conversation. I know in my own classroom I use this technique often as a means of control when working with a larger group or the whole class.
This article has made me consider some of the issues this technique raises:
- It is often the same students that answer each time.
- Those who don't get chosen switch off and stop listening.
- The conversation is often stilted and superficial as those with hands up are selected in turn.
- The teacher controls the conversation.
- In an effort to be heard students put their hands up before they have even thought properly about the question.
- Students who have given adequate thought to the question are not chosen because they do not raise their hand in time.
- Those with their hands up are often more focussed on getting the teachers attention rather than listening to the other contributors.
This article presented some valid alternatives to hand raising, these included:
- Turning to the next person and sharing your thoughts.
- Telling the children you will pick a certain number of students to share.
- Thumbs up/thumbs down.
- Close your eyes and think, then share with a group.
- Think to yourself and share with a partner.
- Jot down some of your ideas and then share your best idea.
- Talk tokens
Kath Murdoch suggests that the students should sit in a circle when sharing and learning rather than in a group facing the teacher (This aligns with Gail Loane's views on teaching writing). She also mentions the importance of establishing conversation protocols so that the conversation flows more naturally and deeply. I will need to guide my students to know how to build on what others have said, how to respectfully disagree and how to justify their opinion.
I look forward to trying out some of these new techniques in my classroom.
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