Helpful Suggestions #1: Asking a Question in Class
A student stopped by this week with a concern worth sharing. Whenever she attempts to ask a question in class, she has the correct thought in her mind, but delivers a different question. She does not say what she means. As a result, the teacher doesn't answer the intended question, but the one expressed. The student is left feeling frustrated and more confused.
This is a common phenomenon and one easily remedied.
1. Decide whether the question requires a what, why, where, when or how answer. Categorizing will help you direct your focus.
2. Jot down a key word or two to make sure the necessary details are included.
3. Ask your question. If the answer is confusing, ask for clarity by rephrasing the answer. For example, "Professor ....., I heard you say ......... Is this correct? In doing this both you and the teacher can focus in on the needed information. The teacher will know better what you need to know.
Remember: Asking questions are a natural part of the learning process. A well phrased question is the key to improving your understanding of the material.
Helpful Suggestion # 2: Multiple Choice Tests
With midterms fast approaching, a number of students have expressed the following concern over taking multiple-choice tests:
“I knew the material, but the question was tricky.” What’s a student to do?
1. Over-study. Know the details and make sure you really understand the terminology!
Multiple choice questions are often designed with a scenario aimed to test the student’s understanding and application of the material. For example, a number of students missed the following question on an exam I gave last year because they confused Piaget’s explanation of accommodating and assimilating. Consequently, they could not properly apply the terms to the given situation.
Here is the actual question:
"An infant has always used one hand to pick up a small ball but now, when faced with a large beach ball, picks it up with two hands. In Piaget’s terms, the change from one hand to two is called:"
- a. conserving
- b. equalizing
- c. accommodating
- d. assimilating
2. Be resourceful. When the textbook’s explanation is too wordy or unclear, utilize other sources, such as dictionaries, the teacher, a review book or Google. In the above case I referred a student to a dictionary to look up accommodating and assimilation. Checking the definitions helped her to understand Piaget’s use of each term.
Try it and see if you can pick the right answer, even if you are unfamiliar with Jean Piaget’s theory of cognitive development. Email me (gumora@yu.edu) with your answer and I’ll confirm.
Wishing you all the best on your exams!
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