Favortism
Some students are more participative than others. I look to these students as class leaders. Other students misread this as favortism.
I think some students are defiantly just more confident and others are a bit more reserved. Also there's the group of students that don't care or are just lost and afraid to admit that they are lost. Sometimes with out making the students feel uncomfortable I call on the more reserved students so I can get them more involved in the class material. Also I feel like sometimes that helps identifiy if any of those students are lost or up to speed on everything. I think if your trying to balance the students involvment then favortism isn't a issue. But sometimes some students just feel that other people get special treatment.
Tammie,
There is always a balance that needs to be maintained in terms of engaging all students in class. This is hard because it is much easier to go to those students that ask questions and respond in discussions. I put the students into small groups to get everyone involved. Also, I let the students know I will be calling on all of them at different times throughout the course so they need to be prepared.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree with this completely. I'm not sure if some students are just more confident than others or if some of them just want to come to class, do their work, and then go home. They just want to keep a low profile. I seem to have the same 4-5 students who are always willing to answer and help anytime I need it. I find myself calling on those students often because I know they will be the ones I can count on. This may look like favortism to the other students but they are reminded that they never want to help but are encouraged to do so whenever they feel comfortable.
Jennifer,
Good point that your boss makes and it is so true. Students need to realize that their future is in this and other courses they are taking to create success in their life. They need to be invested at each step of the way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jennifer,
Good point that your boss makes and it is so true. Students need to realize that their future is in this and other courses they are taking to create success in their life. They need to be invested at each step of the way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
If you do not already, you may want to make it especially clear that the students are a large part of how the class progresses. They must participate discuss, and if they don't, then the same "class leaders" will continue leading the discussions. As my awesome boss has told me many times, students must be reminded that they are their own greatest advocates for receiving a good education.
