Encouraging Active Learning: The Importance of Asking Questions as a Student

A nursing student states, “When we have lecture-discussion sessions, I never know what’s expected of me.” The best reply by a peer would bea. “I think it’s our responsibility as students to avoid actively disagreeing with the instructor or other students.”b. “I think it’s our responsibility as students to make a list of questions about material we don’t understand.”c. “I think it’s our responsibility as students to listen until we’re called upon to answer questions.”d. “I think it’s our responsibility as students to use review books to check the depth of the material we’re learning.”

ANS: BMaking a list of questions about material that is not understood is an action that shows active student participation. Lecture-discussion sessions expect students to be self-directed in learning. Avoiding actively disagreeing with the instructor or other students and listening until called upon to answer questions are more passive than active behaviors. Using review books to check the depth of the material is beyond the scope of what’s expected from a student and would not be productive.

The best reply by a peer in this scenario would be “I think it’s our responsibility as students to make a list of questions about material we don’t understand.” This response emphasizes the importance of active listening and engagement during lecture-discussion sessions. It encourages the student to take ownership of their learning by identifying areas where they need clarification and seeking out answers, rather than remaining passive or assuming what is expected of them. Additionally, it demonstrates empathy and understanding by acknowledging that the student may feel uncertain about their role in these types of sessions.

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