Dr Norris summarizes the final chapter of her book by review the fundamental facilitation skill for a dialogue approach to teaching. I have covered them throughout the semester, but will sum them up in this post. I will also summarize my experiences reading the book and using Dr. Norris' suggestions. This is what I believe Dr. Norris would expect me to do.
1. Good Things Come To Those Who Wait:
Invite learners to speak using invitational language. Be sure you ask open ended questions and wait five seconds for responses to open questions asked of the entire group. As you wait make eye contact with the group. Be sure not to busy yourself with with papers.
2. Affirm all voices verbally.
A simple thank you is a good start. Be careful of issuing too many "greats" or "good idea" at the beginning. If you always say this your learners will discount the value of their comments. Second, the reluctant speakers may vote not speak up once you have praised someone else's comments as wonderful. It is important to give voice to all responses.
3. Weaving:
Verbally review what was said or what is coming next to make transitions from one place to another. Use weaving language to review concepts, tie things together, motivate, or celebrate.
Although this is an easy read and a rather short book, I found the lessons I learned from the book very valuable. I had always started my courses with warm up activities, but this quarter I have been connecting the warm ups activity to the learning in the course. I love how this has changed the introduction to the various topics
I have added more group activity to the learning. For example, I may have asked the students to individually complete an activity, such as placing a list of foods into specific fat categories. I know have them share their answers with a partner or in groups of three to see how they all did, before we review this as a group.
Asking open ended questions and then waiting for answers, as she describes has increased class discussion.
I have been trying to include more looking back and bridging forward questions. As I do this I also start by having the students working with partners, first and then bring the whole group together.
I hope when you have the chance you will review this book. It has some excellent ideas.
