Isn't that the golden rule? we should always treat others as we would want to be treated. And sometimes we even lean from our students. We must always keep an open mind and value everyone's opinions.
Della,
Like your attitude in relation to how you approach and work with students. You are using the old saying "When you are listening you are learning." to the max. I to love teaching because every session I have a new group of students that have very diverse backgrounds from whom I get to learn for the duration of the course. Never boring and always enhancing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I show them by letting them know that as they are learning from me, I am learning from them in many different ways. I love learning and constantly remind them that we all learn something new everyday without even realizing it. Sometimes not only do they teach me new lessons, they remind me of lessons that I learned along the way and forgot, such as, I cannot teach each group of new learners the same way, instead I have to continually make adjustments to meet each and everyone's needs in order to reach them. I also let them know that their success is my success and I love to be successful.
Kevin,
This valuing of student input and feedback is so important to and for students to give and understand. This shows them that they are respected and this goes a long way in helping them to stay engaged in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Often, I will ask this "What do you think about this?" Asking them how an assignment went and what they think would be good to include in an assignment. In giving them some decision in their assignments thay realize I value their feedback and am trying to make a an authentic educational experience for them,
Jim,
That is so very well said! You are showing value in yourself, your students and the institution of learning! Great work!
Karen,
Listening is one of the most valuable tools and instructor can have. If we truly listen our students will know it and respond to us in return. Thank you for making this important point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
First, you must really listen. You can always tell when the instructor's mind is somewhere else--like on the next point they want to make. Also, you must follow up on any questions. Make them feel that their input is important to you and to the class. You can reinforce when their ideas support the concepts you are teaching.
Glenn,
Students really appreciate it when they know their opinions are being listened to and respected. These opinions give a foundation upon which rapport can be developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ask their opinion and value it, even if I disagree.
Dawn,
You make two very good points about student interaction. Listening and non-verbal cures are essential when it comes to helping students to see they are valued and that you want to help them be successful. When they realize this then it is a building process from there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think active listening and non-verbal cues are key. They want to know they are being heard and having your full attention while they are expressing their opinion is very powerful. I also make sure to thank them for sharing - I don't ever want them to feel unappreciated for their efforts.
Glenn,
This is such a great way for you to send a message that you value your students and their opinions. They can see through your methods that you are willing to listen to them and then act on their input. This increases the value of the course so much while increasing the engagement of students in the process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are many ways that I make sure that students know that their opinions are valued. When students state their opinion, I first validate that I heard their opinion and then lead to a two-way conversation. In addition, I encourage open dialogue including feedback during each class period, ask for students to give relatable experiences to bring into the learning environment, etc. Lastly, I try to incorporate a mid-semester anonymous survey. Once I receive the results, I take the beginning of one class session to explain how I value their feedback, how I will change my teaching methods based upon their feedback, and I later act upon it.
I like the other methods replied.
One way to help them feel value is to take interest in their opinions toward group progress. Students may just spout ideas, but as in brainstorming, some really great progress can be made by considering all ideas valid and reasonable for discussion.
Then asking for more relevant details would help a student more confidently develop his initial ideas to become a more esteemed and thoughtful contributor in the group.
Gary,
Like your approach. Listening is one of the most valuable learning tools there is. Also, you are showing respect by listening to your students and considering their opinions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If I want to demonstrate that I value student opinions, the first thing I must do is ASK THEM for their opinions. If I don't hear the student's "voice" I can't learn what they're thinking. After listening, I can demonstrate that what was said has value for our topics.
I agree with Donna that there is never a dumb question or answer. I say that if a question is being asked, there is at least one of student in the class that also had the same question but didn't ask it. A lot can come from random questions. There is no laughing at questions, either. If everyone makes this agreement then more studnts will be willing to particapte in class.
Nancy,
Listening is an art form unto itself. You comment is a good one. Students need to have our undivided attention when they are speaking. This is a form of respect that needs to be extended in all situations to our students. When we do this then we can expect the same in return from our students when we are talking.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important to have eye contact and listen to the student without trying to complete other tasks. Students need to feel their thoughts and comments are important.
