Building a Rapport
I always start class with a short video which discusses topics such as stress, feeling overwhelm, and managing time wisely. The video ends with words of encouragement or tips to help student continue to push forward. By going so, my students feel like they can talk with me openly about the different issues handling them back from being successful at which time we can create a plan together.
GREGORY,
Thank you for sharing this experience with us. I always like to hear stories from the field about how something worked with students. This student obviously has respect for you and he knows you respect him or he would not have been willing to contribute his opinion on why he thought his answer was correct. This is when a professional exchange occurs and everyone benefits.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Just last night I found the trigger that sparked a very quiet student to "speak up" and give his opinion on a test answer. He had a strong belief in his choice on the test. I carefully explained why there was a better answer to choose from but respected what he said. It sent a spark into the room and the class finished off on a very high note. He has already shown that he wishes to be more vocal and it is going to influence others to speak up.
At the start of class, I like to give a 5 minute or so "life experience" of mine that has to do with the topic at hand. The students may dread the topic, but once they hear how it is used in the "real world" they seem to be interested in learning.
Melinda,
I am sure they love these videos because you are helping them to see their future. This gets them all ramped up for the class and increases their engagement factor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also like to show videos at the start of class. These videos are studios and artists in the field discussing their passion, experiences,work and more. I found that student's love this and it gets them excited about entering the field and also helps them direct their focus back on the class.
Ashley,
I teach online so it is a little different for me but I love using videos. I start each of our discussion board topics with a funny (relevant) video from YouTube. Jimmy Kimmel has some great ones. It introduces what may not be the most entertaining topic in a funny way. Some of my students say they actually look forward to seeing what I will be posting next.
Craig,
These types of connections help to make the course content come alive and have meaning for students. So the more connections you can make the greater their engagement is going to be. Great work, keep it up!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In each of my lessons I try to inject things that are involved in my students lives so that it brings it home to them and makes it more interesting.
CHRISTOPHER,
There is so much that comes out of sessions like this. Also as you have experienced the even the more shy students start to contribute because they feel at ease in sharing.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to have a group disussion on with a common theme or fun fact.Its a great schema activator and builds energy and relaxes the students.
Ashley,
I like this approach of building a rapport with the students. This use to be something I did daily and I am not quite sure why I got away from it. It was very helpful in connecting with the students. Time for me to REFOCUS.
Thank you for the reminder.
Ashley,
This is such a good strategy because it helps to settle the students and get them ready for the upcoming class. Having something positive helps them to focus their attention in a way that will encourage them to contribute to what is going to be covered.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
