Hi Aaron,
I say a great quote on a plaque that reads "When you are talking you are not learning.". This is so true so your statement about needing to listen to students is right on. We need to listen so we know how to respond.
Gary
I try to always value students opinions, but especially when it comes to the curriculum. I teach in a computer program and there is such a vast base of things they can learn, which in turn makes it hard to teach so much in such a short time. I will usually ask the students what they want to specifically learn in some classes so that I can gear the curriculum to their desired career path.
I feel the most effective method is to listen to them. It is the only way, no substitutes. Work their ideas in a positive manner even if you know that it may not work from the start, still give their thought a try with positive notes of why it may fail and what parts will be successful. Take each idea to a level of understanding for learning and don't ever go to the area of tearing down.
Take the time to listen and evaluate what your student is discussing with you. The student is another person with experience, maybe not in the field you are teaching at the moment, but it other situations. Their experience might be a helpful applicable to a problem, or situation that might be appropriate for you to use, or expand on.
Look at them when they are speaking. Don't just let them give their opinion, you must respond to it, as well. Make a positive comment about what they've said.
Listen carefully and try to incorporate their experiences into the learning. How do your experiences give insights to the topic we are discussing.
We all bring a variety of experiences and the mixture and sharing of those experiences makes class and life more fun.
I also feel that non-verbal cues can play a big part in wheter the student feels you are paying attention or not. Little things like a head nod, eye contact and facing the student require little effort but can make the student feel that their opinion is being valued and that you care about what they are saying!
It's important for students to feel that their opinions are valued. Actually listening to what the student is saying (instead of shuffling papers) is a huge clue that "they're listening to me." Dismissing a student's opinion, just because it wasn't the answer that you may be looking for, is another way that the student will feel like their opinion is not valued. Listen to everyone's opinions, and guide the discussion to where you want it to go.
Hi Stephanie,
Respect earned leads to rapport developed. Students that respect their instructor are going to be engaged and focused on the course. Rapport creates a setting for personal and professional development on the part of the students and the instructor.
Gary
As an instructor, you have to have respect for your students. The old adage, "to get respect you have to give it", is so very true. You might not always agree with what your students are saying, but they need to be heard and respected.
I always ask the students their opinions and tell them that every idea is taken into consideration. I might not implement their opinions immediately or never, but I consider them all. I feel that respect is a key to every classroom. I respect the students opinions, therefore the respect me and my classroom. They like being treated like their opinions count and they do.
Be open minded and listen to student opinions even if they differ from what you are teaching. This can also create an exciting environment for debate and lead to more open discussions about course content.
Hi Lydia,
This is a good idea because as you say many of the questions are being thought of by other students as well. So you can group the questions together and be more efficient in your responses.
Gary
first is to be a good listener. Second, try to see a view from another perspective. Different students bring a wealth of different viewpoints and that is what makes discussions rich in content. Giving each student time to respond, comment, and to ask questions lets them know that their voice is important.
I ask my class to email me any relevant questions or concerns and at the beginning of the lecture, I mention the questions or concerns. I encourage the students to contact me because often other students have the same issues or concerns.
Hi Todd,
Right you are. What are some of the ways you use to help the students interject their feeling into the class discussions while keeping the class moving forward?
Thanks.
Gary
If we dont give them some way to interjected their feelings we will have a uptight student.
Openly agree with them, if you DO in fact agree with their position. Say positive things about their input, even if you are inclined to disagree. Reenforcing that all educated opinions are worthy and valid.
Hi Tenisha,
Good point about being able to teach the instructor something. Students do like this and I have found that I enjoy learning new things so it is a win win for everyone.
Gary
