student input
They all have a voice, some guided, some misguided and some think they run the class. Giving away the power and letting them think they have it, is something else. Pulling them back to the center is real learning, for all of us..
Yes, all students have a voice. We wait a 3 to 5 seconds rule just to make sure they don't have anything to add to the lecture. I love asking open ended questions to get the conversation moving. When they start to go to the other direction that is when you have to wrap up the question and move on.
I agree with everyone so far. Student input is very important to the overall learning environment. A limited to student input during class should be limited. Students can often confuse other students with too much input.
This is why we go rules and regulations the first day of class. This is to let students know who their instructor is, and if they have any questions raise their hands, and we can address any questions at hand. There's always way we can do things, like pulling the student to the side.
Eric,
I agree. I believe that the key is to let the students know that they have a "voice", however establish guidelines and parameters for them to provide their input. When the student input is not properly structured, students will begin to think that they are "in control".
Tremayne Simpson
kesia,
I have had similar experiences as an instructor. In those cases, I have found that it is best to have a discussion with the student outside of the class, in order to establish a way to ensure that the student continues to make contributions to the class, without "dominating" discussions. These are delicate conversations, so it is best to try to keep them positive, while maintaining your "agenda". Having in-class disputes can have a negative impact on the other students, that is why it is important that all discussion (with the disruptive student) occur, privately.
Tremayne Simpson
I have a student in my class that is old enough to be my father. He has been in management on his previous job for years. So obviously when he comes to my class he feels as if I need his help. Or better yet, he felt that he was kind of in charge too! It took me having to write him up to get him to give me my respect as a professional in this field.
