Valuing Student Opinions
What are some ways to make students feel their opinions are valued?
Careful listening, paraphrasing and incorporating ideas into the classroom experience are all ways to make students feel their opinions are valued.
Having open discussion where everyone gets to share an opinion and the conversation flows gives everyone in the class practice in submitting an opinion appropriately and practice gathering more information about others' opinions rather than judging them. Sometimes it feels to me as if some of my students don't know how to "have a conversation." They don't know how to NOT feel attacked by others who have different opinions. They don't know how to follow a conversation. They struggle to stay present. They don't make eye contact. They don't know appropriate language. They mumble, speak too quickly, cover their mouths...and on and on and on.
I like to ask students what they think about a subject and then ask them questions about their viewpoint. This does several things, the first is to show that I am interested in what they have to say, it helps to involve them in the learning process, and it helps them exam their personal views and to see why they believe (or don't believe) something.
Being an instructor in the Computer and Networking field, changes are daily if not hourly and cover a very wide subject matter. Having the students give their opinion often opens up new areas of the daily material. I have also found that students that may normally not participate in a discussion will participate with another student in the class.
Discussing their opinion. Even if we don't agree with it, we don't have to let them know that. It can spark discussion in the group and in turn bring out better understanding of a subject.
I believe the single must effective method is: value. When students recognize that their insight and/or opinion has value the buy-in is far greater
Body language is key to show students you value their opinions. Get up from behind your desk, make eye contact, more closer to the student, and don't interrupt. When they finish talking, if it makes sense, ask for an example. If you don't agree with what they are saying, then try: "Well, you will have to do a better job of convincing me, but it is an interesting idea for me to reflect on."
I always ask the opinions of my student constantly and actively listen to infuse their responses in the group discussion. This add a since of value to them in the class room.
Listening..... It is key to a strong supportive relationship in any environment. If we truly listen to our students we are validating their worth and their place in the classroom. It solidifies respect and communication.
I feel that students feel appreciated when I listen to them as well as let them explain their selves.
Judith,
This is so important. The soft skills need to be developed along with the specific skills. If they cannot learn to get along with each other they are not going to be successful in the workplace.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the area I teach I value my students opinions and let them know that in the future positions they must value the opinions of those they work with.
I encourage students to provide opinions or experiences they may have encountered that relates to a teaching topic. This helps to reinforce information presented and allows for more participation from students.
I never underestimate a students opinion,sometimes it takes reading thru it a few times but it can open up the pathway for more learning. A simple reply of let me give that some thought will let them know it is valued and welcomed when it gets hashed over.
Patricia,
This is one of the big reasons I love teaching so much. I get to work with and learn from students with such diverse backgrounds. Not many jobs that let you talk about your field and interact with others while giving you a paycheck. A win win deal in my opinion.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I ask their opinion and experiences and turn it into discussion. I am always open to hearing different opinions and gaining perspective from the students.
You are right. Listening to their opinions is a good way to peek into their background giving you clues on how to motivate them. Another thing I like about their comments is that since they are from very different backgrounds and ages I get to learn new things as well.
Jeffrey,
This is a good point because it is easy for an instructor to turn away and sort through papers or pick up an object while a student is talking. This sends a clear message that what they say does not matter and before long they won't say anything at all.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When listening to students' answers to questions or prompts, always maintain eye contact. I like to relate their answer/opinion to a past experience and how their insight could have helped in that situation.
