Philip,
I do to and as a result I learn so much from my students. This then becomes a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The first way to make your students feel their opinions are valued is to allow them to express them. Creating an environment where they cannot be heard is a negative environment that leads to students not wanting to participate. Next step is to acknowledge the opinion and to ensure the student you understand what they are stating. Finally, the teacher should apply the students opinion to the situation where it is appropriate.
I enjoy listening to students opinions because it gives me an insight to their interests and background.
Kevin,
A simple phrase like this can have a powerful impact on students, especially those that are a bit more shy about contributing in class. When they are reinforced they start to open up and become a part of the general discussions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This seems overly obvious but say thank you. I notice that many instructors could simply say "thanks for sharing that." It is particularly useful if the student is way off on their response because it can help the student feel appreciated even if they are wrong.
The first and most obvious way to help a student understand that his/her opinion is valued is to ask for it. Just asking the question of "what do you think" is the simplest way to convey that an opinion is valued.
Many of the assignments in my course are opinion-based questions that ask for student preferences on a set of terms or concepts. Asking students to rank a set of items in order of importance individually does a few things. It helps them synthesize the information that they are learning in a way that is deeper than just memorizing the new concepts. It tells them that their opinion is valued and important as an individual. And, it helps them to respect other points of view when reviewing the opinions of others.
Jeremy,
You have a very comprehensive and supportive approach to student questioning and sharing. I know your students appreciate how you support them as they ask questions as well as answer question even when they are incorrect or off the mark.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First, ask questions and encourage interaction to get students vocalizing their opinions as much as possible - so that the course isn't a one-sided lecture.
Regardless of the response to a question, I always find some way to give a positive response as encouragement.
When possible, I try to take the student's opinion and run with it a little farther (perhaps paraphrasing or elaborating) so that the rest of the class have a moment to think about it. If I can, I let the student do this elaborating him/herself. This also makes the student feel valued because it promotes the idea that they really contributed an idea that the whole class could use.
Strategies to make students feel their opinions are valued include making eye contact with students when they are expressing their opinions, asking follow-up questions, and opening the opinions to class discussion.
Arisa,
So do I. Some great times in the class as a result of their sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I enjoy listening to students opinions on varies topics. They bring tangable experience.
Sue Ellen,
Listening is one of the most effective teaching tools that teachers can use. By listening you are not only learning but also showing students respect since you are willing to devote time to hear their input. This creates a foundation for rapport and that is what we are striving to have with our students throughout the duration of a course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to use active listening when dicussing a topic in class that requires students to express their opinions. I show interest in not only what they have to say but in how they say it. I also take into account how they have come to certain opinions, by learning what I can from the students about their backgrounds.
Paul,
This is one of the benefits of being in a college class as a student. For the time that the student is enrolled in the course he or she has access to an expertise in the field and someone that is there to support their learning. This is why they should ask questions and try to learn all they can so they will be better prepared when they transition to their employment.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Tell students at the beginning of the Class
"The only stupid question in this class is the question that is not asked".
Express opinions and if there is a difference in
opinion have the class debate the pros and cons of that given subject.
Richard,
Reinforcement like this can do a lot to build the confidence of students. Recognition of success goes a long way in the development of rapport with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Yes, I agree that immediate feedback in front of other students creates a powerful positive experience for them.
I wil make two different syllabi for the same class and ask which one they prefer. I think it allows them to believe they hae a say in the pace and direction of the course.
Thomas,
This is a great strategy to use to get them to see the extensive experiences they and their classmates bring to the class. This way they know they can work together to think critically and solve problems.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
On many occasions I will ask the class how many have experienced or participated in activity "A".
I then ask how many have experienced or participated in activity "B", and perhaps the same with activity "c" or "D". Just by the show of hands, it becomes evident how diverse the group is with all the different experiences they have and the veriety of perespectives they all come to class with. I quickly reveals that they all have something unique to share which not everyone in the class has. It "empowers" them with confidence in a particular aspect of the subject at hand.
