This is a must,You have to ask the student! What do you think? This is starting point for many conversations, it shows respect,value, and many other things the student is trying to acomplish,What a lead.
Tony,
There is a saying I have seen hanging on classroom walls around the country and it says "Listening is Learning." This saying makes sense to me because as you say we need to be good listeners so we can learn more about our students and their learning needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find that if you listen without interupting, lets students know that there opinions are important. With a very diverse class with different levels of experience you can learn alot by listen to your students. After listening to my students i all ways respond in some fashion. I believe this lets them know that i did listen to their opinion and not just stand up there and day dream.
There are many ways to let students know that their opinions are valued. Paying gratitude to the students’ contributions is not only courteous, but tells the student that they are appreciated, on many platforms. Moreover, allowing students to express themselves within an open forum can reaffirm to them that their opinions are valued, and - in some instances – a necessary component of learning. Encouragement added to their opinions also can assist in valuation of the opinions shared by students.
-Tracy
Let the student know that you are listening to them and that you value their opinion. Each student is an individual with their own mind and way of thinking. You don't always have to agree with them but respect their point of view.
Sandra,
Since we are dealing with adults and in many cases older adults coming back to school with many life experiences we need to show them respect as they share their opinions and life experiences. They have much to add to the course plus it demonstrates to them that they are valued as learners.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I believe students feel their opinions are valued specially if they differ from others, if we recognized them and respect them as plausible. They feel they can have different points of view and still have a say in the matter
to make sure they know that you are valuing their ideas and opinions you must first ask them for the things you can change and add or remove from your teaching in that course. I give my students time to write down on the back of the test at the end of a chapter to tell me what to do better or to keep for the time we use in class and in lab. Like did they like the movies or pics used or would they like more time to practice in class and lab and use less time on review because they "got it the first time" and just need time to use the toold to commet it to memory.
Ms Hamm
DaKetia,
Feedback really helps shape instructional formatting and delivery. We need ongoing feedback to keep us clear in our instructional planning so we can meet student needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I think sincerity and an honest appreciation of the value of their opinions makes them feel a part of the class--particularly non-trads. Older students want to feel like their life experience matters and that sitting out of school was not a mistake; younger students just want to be heard. They want to feel they are ready to compete and be taken seriously as adults in the working market. Just being an active listener is the best way to show some their worth.
Re-instate the question/suggestion. Reflect on what they are saying and possibly step into their shoes and look at things from a different lens. Feedback for instructors from students can be rewarding and taking as a learning/growing experience.
I have truly learned a lot from opinions of students; it's not just about instuctors teaching the students, it is also about instructors learning from students through their life experiences. I am always open to my student opinions and respect what every student has to say.
I too agree with Jim on how the administration may value student opinions through active listening. Both parties must be able to concede to the better argument.
Ways to feel students opinions are valued are: Acknowledgement their opinions, by asking them to expand upon their answer, by validating their thoughts, and by expressing enthusiasm towards answer and thought process. Valuing their opinions gives students confidence to continue to contribute to class discussions. It helps them to illustrate points with clarity, explain their position, and stay on track with practice.
I love this statement because I learn from my students everyday. Opening the class up for discussion also allows my mind to explore different ideas. I think about more than the prepared lesson plan an powerpoint. These discussion allow me to stretch and grow
We need to make sure to let them express their opinions and feelings in class when appropriate. We need to give credit to what they have to say and tell them their thoughts matter. To be able to do that, we need to create a comfortable, respectful, and friendly environment in the class, so they can feel comfortable in expressing themselves and get approved not only by their classmates, but also their instructors. Listening to them is the key.
Leigh,
This is a great way to integrate the different life experiences that are being brought by students so using them throughout the course helps to get their buy in terms of the content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Simply by listening, not only the instructor, but maintain the class so that other students ar repectful and listening too.
Once the student has given their opinion or experience story I relate it back to the lecture and share a similar experience to validate theirs. If I don't have a similar experience I ask if anyone else would like to share something similar.
Annette,
Simple statements have powerful implications. The more we can support and encourage our students the higher their commitment is going to be to their education. They will "buy in" to the fact that they can be successful and create a future for themselves.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
