Deborah,
Listening is a powerful learning tool. Sometimes teachers forget to listen and as a result they do not connect with their students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Listen to what the student has to say- everyone wants to feel that their opinion means something. What they have to say from some past experience may be quite applicable to the issue that you are dealing with. New input and information from others can add to your knowledge or show you a different view of an issue that you didn't think about.
Always value the contributions students input when lecturing, and acknowledge with positive praise and recognition. Encourage interactive involvement, and reward with positive reinforcement.
By asking questions and then using those answers in your lesson plan.
Kareneen,
Interaction and questioning is an important learning tool. So the more you can "encourage" (via requirement or candy) the more information will be shared. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Insist that students ask questions. I not only encourage questions, but I often demand (harsh word, I know) that they ask questions. I think one of the most important things I can do as a teacher is to make my students feel completely comfortable and safe in asking questions. I have, on occasion, rewarded sudents with candy when they ask a question.
Allowing students to express their opinions on certain academic concerns and using or implementing some of their ideas makes them feel valued.
Cynthia,
Good point. Listening to and following up with students demonstrates how an instructor values student input. Plus, it results in better teaching.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students feel that you value their opinion if you make the changes requested. For example, if my students' opinion is that I lecture to fast, I should slow my rate. If they tell me we do too much lecture, I mix it up. Listen and react in a positive manner to what they tell you.
I agree Janet. My favorite student is also an opinionated student. I love an intelligent banter over an exam question. I will give 1/2 points if a student can explain why they came up with their answer: using facts and a cool head. I feel it encourages thought and clinical thinking skills.
Scott,
Listening is learning. So when we listen we are learning more about our students and their needs. You make a good case for more active learning which will lead to more active learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
The main strategy I use is teaching the students active listening skills. If it is apparent other students are not giving their attention to the current conversation, I will ask the student voicing their opinion to pause and ask the other students to come together and listen so we can address the comments. I make sure my body language doesn't send the wrong message to my students voicing their opinion and I always make sure if there is a disagreement with the point, the followup is directed at the statement not at the individual.
I will thank the student and if possible, state why the opinion works. It is important for the student to know I value what they have to say even though I may not agree with the statement.
Each class I try to allow time at the beginning and end of class for class discussoins and encourage input from all the students. I often will engage them in groups as well as individual questions to respond to.
I think personally that it is verry valuable in what students ask or share with Teachers or Instructors. Not only can the students value from what they have learned You yourself can learn more from them by listening and understanding what it is that they have knowledge of and the skills they have performed previously before.
I agree with your statement that this is very difficult. As many students have been conditioned negatively and become closed off when discussing the things they believe. The only way I have seen to gain their trust is by showing that you listen in a non-judgmental manner with others so that they build trust that you will treat them the same.
This can be achieved by simply encouraging students to participate in classroom discussions, share their experiences and allow them to relate them to the course content.
Billie Kay,
This is a good way to get "buy in" from students as the course progresses. They get to share their knowledge and preparation through their presentations.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to get students involved in planning some of the ways they will demonstrate their learning. For example,a visual learner might like to create a PowerPoint rather than write a paper. A kinesthetic learner might like to demonstrate and teach a new skill to the class.
When a student has an opinion it is very important to listen you may learn something from them just as they learn from you
Listen to what the students have to say and actually take into account some of their thoughts, ideas or feelings. Incorporate some of their ideas into the course instruction, as this may help other students be successful. Encourage them to discuss or talk openly.
