Daryl,
I use this form of learning a lot. I have case studies that I assign to small learning groups. This gets everyone involved and contributing which increases each student's ability to make application of the content being shared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Collaborative learning seems to help my student population feel a greater sense of being "apart" of the class.
Brian,
How do you set this up so you can talk with each student and get his or her input?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I speak with each student and let them know their opinions are valued.
James,
This is such an important concept for students to learn. The majority of jobs require that we get along and work with others. So the more experience you can give your students in this area the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lauren,
They are fun to lead. You can see the learning that is going on and how engaged the students are with each other and the topics being discussed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I encourage teamwork. As a Culinary Instructor teaching the next generation of Chefs. Teamwork is an important part of the business. Students need to learn this early. They need to rely on and help one another, be proud of their individual accomplishments as well as their teams.
I love facilitating classroom discussions. I find that discussions are a great way for my students to critical think and share their thoughts and ideas. Discussions also help other students relate to the learning processes which helps internalize the class information.
Patricia,
Yes, it will get the students invested in the course because they know that they will have their turn to have input. Good strategy for other instructors to use. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Always address them by their name. Look at them. Also, I agree Instructors should be in control of the class but every so often call on a student (by name) and ask " What do you want to touch on today?)Call on someone different the next week. That's a great way to get students to participate.
Erika,
I use icebreakers to start each new class. They are a great way to get everyone settled in and introduced to each other, not to mention they are a lot of fun to do.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always like to start the beginning of the semester with an icebreaker activity to get everyone familiar with one another. By allowing them to introduce themselves, I am making them feel as if they are not only part of a class but part of something bigger.
Anthony,
I use pairing a lot in my classes for the reasons you list. The results are respect students develop for each other and the growth that each person has during the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I usually will pair up students for lab, in class projects etc. I also encourage the students to form study groups. This usually will get stronger students helping out the weaker students. It has worked in the past for the best of all students.
Chad,
This is such a vital part of teaching. Engaging all students in the class efforts, such as discussions and Q&A helps them feel accepted and encourages the growth of confidence based upon the content they are learning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to enagage students by pulling them into directed conversations throughout the course. I have found this gets everyone involved and the students seem to retain the key points of the course at a higher rate.
Stacy,
I commend you for your effort to learn the names of your students so quickly. This is so important in getting a class off to a good start. This forms the foundation for respect and rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always memorize their name on the first day of class, use their name during class and always ask for input and allow students to make minor decisions when appropriate. Allowing students to work in small groups also helps.
Rana,
Good strategies for engaging students in class participation. This way everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge shared in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
some ways to make students feel part of the class, is having them role play, or put answers on the board, have them instruct on a topic, play games, ask questions, have them answer other students questions.
