Tom,
I use this method as well because there is always something to learn from students. You are right about how it motivates them because they like to share their knowledge and experience others, especially their instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
From time to time I have had students who are more familiar in a particular area of my course than I am. Sometimes I call on these students during class discussion when their previous experience is greater than mine and let it be known that is why I am calling on them usually by asking ," When you were in the field, how did you do this?" or "You've made this type of cable before, can you show us how it's done?" I learn from it and it gives the student a little boost to the ego.
I try to use students opinions to get them to solve problems.
Shawn,
Right you are. The key in using praise is to make it targeted praise. That is single out exactly what they have done well and then comment on it so they know you have taken the time to focus on what they have said or done and then reinforced them for their effort. This yields their respect because they know you are listening to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe we can do this through process praise. Instead of saying "you're smart" or "you're right", we can praise their efforts whether right or wrong. Students want to feel validated, especially when they've made the decision to come back to school later in life.
Lee,
What are some strategies you use to show your students that you value their opinions and to increase their contributions to class? Thanks for your input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would always value students opinions
ROBBIN,
This is a method I use as well. Thank you for sharing it in this Forum. I have my students answer the questions on 3X5 cards. That way they have something to work from when called upon. I collect the cards and by reviewing their answers I am able to check for understanding and see if I need to review something that was not clear.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One method of showing students you value their opinion is to ask questions, listen to answers, and give positive spin on anything they provide. The quiet non-talkative student can participate if the instructor asks for all of the students to write a very short (25 word) statement as to what they think the answer is. Some students have such anxiety about speaking in public that they will step out of the class rather than participate in a verbal discussion. By assigning all of the students to write something, it allows the quieter student to "speak" their opinions. It is important to stress that this is not a graded assignment but a clarification of what was learned or an opinion of what was asked. Some students might write only what they think the instructor wants to hear.
Listening to their opinion and asking questions as to why they feel that way about whatever the topic is and just showing general interest in their thoughts is a great way to learn more about your students.
Stephanie Bernard
Active listening helps a student believe that you value their opinions and contribution to class. If the comment is relevant to the topic then continue the discussion maybe by asking another student their opinion or use the comment as a lead in to the next topic of discussion. If the opinion strays off subject then write it down to revisit when appropriate.
dont shoot down what someone else is trying to express. weather the opinions are relevant or not, to shoot it down is to show disrespect.
Student opinions are important because it helps to illustrate what their thinking process is. It clarifies what steps they have taken to resolve the question. It brings into focus their value system. It allows opportunity to praise and compliment an individual when they have brought out good points.
I try to encourage everyone to share opinions in class, and reinforce that a different opinion does not mean it is "wrong". We all have opinions and we should feel the classroom is a safe place to express them.
Amber,
This is so important to engaging students and getting them to contribute to the class. Knowing they are valued for their input goes a long way in helping them to see that they have something to offer to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree Wendy, whenever I reference a students comment, even if it is days or weeks later, I am sure to give that student credit for it. I believe it reinforces their belief that they are learning something relevant and that their opinion is respected. I also believe it encourages other students to get involved in the discussion, not just to say anything but to have a well thought out remark.
To let student know that their opinions are valued you make sure you have good eye contact when they are talking, walk towards them and you can nod and smile to show you agree.
Teresa,
Good way to get input from your students while helping them to see the value of the questions they are asking as well as the answers they are giving. This helps them to see that they are respected for who they are and thus are more willing to contribute throughout the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first way to show you value a students opinion is to listen to their opinion. I then may repeat it back so I am understanding what they are saying. I also try and turn any answer or guess a student offers out loud in class to a "correct" answer so they feel confident to try again another time. This can be tricky at times because I don't want to be condensing either. And sometimes they are just flat out wrong. In those cases I still keep it positive by saying I see why you said that but no, I was looking for "..." If I can find anything right about what a student has to offer I will. I think this shows I value to their contributions in class.
We as humans are always learning from one another,we must listen to one another this is part of life and learning I know I do not know every thing and we can always learn from each other.
