This is a skill that is of great use in teaching and in our personal lives. I like the suggested responses used in the learning material. Using phrases like, I hadn't thought of it that way, or great observation, or even asking if totally off; is there another way to look at this? All these statements leave individuals feeling valued.
Let the student who is contributes to lecture have the floor for moment. The acknowledgement will pay them respect, show positive example to the rest of the students, and also paint the picture of a class environment where all are trying to learn.
I will ask opinions and with a student’s permission incorporate them into my class, positive or negative to start a discussion.
As long as the opinion is on topic and we are more or less caught up with our work, all opinions are discussed. Negative comments are discouraged and on occasion I have called a student on the carpet regarding comments made toward the person with the opinion that were inappropriate. We have had several lively discussions regarding the topic of discussion and all were rewarded with the exchange of ideas. The class actually enjoys them as a break from the information presentation.
I agree wholeheartedly with Jim when he says to listen intently to all students comments and not to "blow off" a student. The instructor is in control of the classroom and has the upper-hand during instructions. He or she can elaborate effectively without causing harm to a student's comment. I tell my students that I will never say that a student is wrong but will direct the class discussion to the truth. We are good at what we do, let's do it. Alienating a student during their comments can drive a wedge between you and them. Are there any other comments? Would someone else like a crack at the final answer? What about...? Have you given any thought to this? Exactly! These are sentences that can prolong the discussion until you get to the true answer.
Bonnie,
This is a simple but effective way to involve the students and I know it earns their respect because you are listening to them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When you ask a question of a student share thier answer with the class. For instance if you have the chance to take a field trip, let the students have a choice in the matter. If you have options in the classroom, show that the students can have input. For instance, I ask the students on the first day of class what type of tests do they like and I do take those into consideration. I will say "This week we are having John's test or Jenny's test options" versus a test I just made up.
Everyone's opinion adds value to a discussion.
I allow students to share their work experiences. Some of the students have changed careers more than once and the students listen to find out why they changed careers. This is how you can also know what a student loves and values. Most of the older adults love to share their opinions about their careers, because they took the steps to finish their goals.
Teresa,
This is a powerful concept to understand. Knowing you are "valued" and that your ideas are "listened to" are keys to retaining students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Yamil,
Good strategy. This way the students will continue to contribute the class discussions because they know their ideas will be listened to.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
When you truly listen to their questions or answers or opinions and give them feedbac (i.e.questions, insights, etc.) you are showing that you value their thinking,rationale, opinion. It's like the reverse of what you expect of them.
In my classes, I always make sure that I don't put down any student's idea or opinion regardless if I agree or disagree with it.
The key is to listen to what the students have to say in entirely, not to cut them off.
Valuing the student's opinion can instill trust between student and instructor. Listen to what they have to say, ask how they came to that conclusion and it could open an active discussion topic for the class as a whole. This also shows the student that you care about them and their success with the class.
This helps students to understand that they are invested in their own development, that thinking and accountability for learning is a major part of education.
I can actually identify two ways that students can be made to feel their opinions are valued. The first is to give them immediate feedback with verbal acknowledgement. Just a simple remark that the suggestion was a good idea. The second way would be to implement some of the ideas that students in the classroom verbalized. I have done this several times, and each time I do, I make sure that I mention one of their classroom peers made the suggestion and because it was a good idea we were going to try it out. If appropriate, I name the student to give them the credibility.
Ask questions directly to the class, by doing this, you are showing you want their input, you are interested in what they have to say and their interpretation. It gives them a feeling of being involved with the lecture, it's not about just what I have to say but what everyone has to say.
I use this in all my classes. I endeavor to make sure when asking for student's opinions that I praise their opinions as opposed to devauling them because they may not be like my on even if a student may be off point as to the question(s) being asked. When I see that a student's opinion is off point then I try to get the class to respond to the stated opinions ,respectfully, and then attempt to steer the arguements towards the desired outcomes and hopefully opinions are then changed through discussions. Paul T. Rougemont
Jim, I agree that you should allow students to voice their opinions, and not just blow them off. Blowing a student off can cause others students to not want to speak up in class for fear of the same treatment. Also, the student that you blow off may start to feel unapprciated, which can cause a decrease in class participation, and/or class attendance.
