Invite Diligent Learning

Skill: Encourage students to share by inviting them to respond to their fellow students’ questions.

students in class

What is my initial understanding or ability? (Assessment)

How often do you invite your students to respond to a classmate’s question?

What is it and why is it important? (Define):

Inviting students to respond to their fellow classmates’ questions can encourage them to share, provide opportunities to exercise their faith, and to be taught by the Holy Ghost. When a student raises a question, a teacher can invite other students to respond by asking questions like:

• Can anyone respond to the question Jose asked?

• Class, how would you answer this question?

• Does anyone in class have thoughts or insights on this question?

Who or what provides a good illustration of this? (Model):

During a discussion about why Nephi killed Laban a student raises the question, “Isn’t killing a violation of God’s commandment not to kill?” The teacher responds by saying: “Thank you for asking that question. Does anyone in class have thoughts or insights about this question?” The teacher pauses and allows those who raise a hand to respond.

How can I practice using this skill or applying this principle? (Practice):

Write a question you could ask to get the class to respond to the following questions from students:

• What does it mean to take His yoke upon us?

• How can I better feast upon the words of Christ?

Ponder or discuss:

• What are you learning as you create questions that invite your students to respond to their fellow students’ questions?

• How do you feel having students answer fellow students’ questions will increase learning for your students?

How and when will I incorporate this?

As students ask questions this week, use what you have learned to invite the class to respond, as appropriate.