Each month I have an open discussion about what they have learned, how they learned it and what changes would they make. They all have different opinions on how to learn skills and we as a class vote on two ideas and do them as an active learning skill. This gives studets the feeling that their opinions and ideas matter and everyone benifits from this. I use many active learning tools on what my students opinions were.
Ana,
Sharing opinions is a part of the learning process and should be encourage by instructors. This is how growth occurs in the field as well as personally for students. They learn how to express their opinions in a way that will inform others and in return learn how to listen to others as they share their perspectives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The most important way to make students feel their opinions are valued is by providing the opportunity for students to share their opinions and by listening to what they have to say. Being a good and active listener includes non-verbal cues, as well as verbal acknowledgement by the instructor. The way an instructor listens and responds to a student's opinion sets the tone of respect for the entire class.
Aleah,
Listening is such a powerful learning tool. As instructors by listening we are showing respect for our students as individuals and this helps to create a positive learning environment for them. This way they can focus on being successful in the course as well as feel comfortable in sharing their opinions about the topics being discussed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One way to make students feel their opinions are valued is listening and verbally expressing the value you received from what the student shared. As a result, you speak for yourself and on behalf of the students who received the same value.
Jennifer,
You are helping your students with this approach in sharing their opinions. It is important for them to learn how to share their opinions is a positive way even when they disagree with another opinion giver. They are going to need this skill when they are out in the workplace and need to convince someone to help them or contribute to a problem solving situation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I value students opinion. In fact, I encourage students to raise their opinions. I tell them it is important to hear from them. However, when they share their opinion, I stressed the importance of using positive, polite, and professional language.
Loren,
This is how good teaching is reinforced and new activities introduced to the course. The more feedback from students the better because this way you can make any needed adjustments and keep the learning going forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ask for input from students, specific input from specific students for whom there may be issues. Incorporate that input via dry erase board, chalk board into the larger inquiry. I may be accumulating a list, will be asking for items to add to the list, and just looking at a student may be the encouragement to submit input, for another, I may have to ask them what their experience might have been, or what don't they see listed that they feel is important.
Joulette,
Student opinions are valuable in that they let us know how students are perceiving our course. Also, it helps students in developing their abilities to express their thoughts and opinions which they will be doing once they graduate.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the Medical field there is a Socioecomic diversity plagued with opinions, which effect a broadband of interactions. Our opinions are valuable even when we "agree to disagree". Our Students opinions should command our attention, because it could alter our or anothers opinion, or give validity, or give more meaning and substance to an outcome.
Jeannie,
This is the way to get everyone involved and keep the class moving forward. I am sure these are fun discussion times with your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Listen, respond, ask questions to clarify, include other students in the discussion. Welcome all ideas as a starting point and acknowledge the value in what each student has to say.
Faye,
Listening is an extremely valuable teaching tool. If the students know you listen to them they in turn will respect and listen to you.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When students answer or respond to questions, listen to their answers and make them feel engaged. Sometimes use examples that some other students have answered to previous questions in other lectures or assisngments.
Maggie,
It is by following your suggestions in how to respond to student opinions that you will continue to get input from students. If they are comfortable in the class and know that they are respected for what they share then they will see themselves as having something to contribute to the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Informed the students that you values their opinions and that no questions is a dumb question.
Always be interest and listen to what they have to say by not brushing the student off or showing lack of interest. Using the Golden Rule - treat the student like you want to be treated.
Donna,
Good suggestions for gaining the focus of students and getting them to see the value of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Listen,maintain eye contact and show that you care. If you choose to respond to the student, do not be judgmental.
Barbara,
Good point and a good rule to follow. Respect is a two way street and must be earned it cannot be gifted. Thus, by giving our students respect we are in turn earning theirs. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
