Teach Fzx Tuesday - Aggressive Learners Ask

Don't ask.

I want them to but they don't.  Honors Physics students begin my class with a no-questions-asked attitude.  They seem to expect that I will anticipate every possible question and supply everything they need to assure that they remain passive learners.

One knowledge source?  Bad idea.  Use your resources.

I cannot be what they want.  Nor do I want to since I would have to read their minds

and if it's anything like what goes on in my brain, following their thoughts would toss me back and forth between disappointment and disgust.

When I always pre-supply their every need, I dis-service the process and help them learn less.  I want them to struggle.  I want them to learn how to learn.  It requires that they perceive gaps, ask questions, make comments, and try to relate class to their lives.

I wish my students were more aggressive.  I wish my students would ask more questions so I leave things out on purpose and wait for them to ask.  They end up learning to inquire.  

1. ASK NOW - Don't just say "I'll figure it out later" because you probably won't.  If you didn't get it, ask the question immediately.  It may sound dumb but at least you'll end up understanding.
2. RISK RIDICULE - Remember that plenty of other students probably have the same question so just raise that hand and ask.  Be bold.  Learn something.  Plus you could tell a story and relate the class material to life.
3. ASK WHENEVER AND WHEREVER - Don't waste hours of your time trying to solve something when you could communicate with your teacher and get a hint.  We live in a tech world so use it to communicate with your teacher and others.
4. INSIST - If the teacher doesn't answer the question completely, raise your hand, rephrase and gently insist on an answer.  Sometimes it'll be deferred to after class for lack of time, but at least you'll learn.

Your education is yours and only you will benefit from it.  Make it your own and aggressively pursue it by asking questions and insisting on answers - or at least tips to point you in the right direction.