Listening is my best tool!
I think that the number one thing that an instructor can do is to give the student enough respect to listen to what they have to say. Additionally, as an instructor, I have to keep my calm as to not to add to the confusion, if there is any.
Probably, talk to the student after class or outside of the classroom (not in front of other students). One technique is to repeat what the student says back to him or her to make sure that you know exactly what the student's problem or complaint is. Before, you can comment, you have to know what the complaint is.
Hi Lisa,
I have an open door policy too. Students take full advantage of my open door policy, and they appreciate it. When students enter and ask the question, "Are you busy"? I respond never too busy for you, and I immediately stop what I am doing to take care of the students because students are the most important customers.
Patricia
You must get student involvement and amintain class control. I feel these are the key elements for a conductive learning experience. Handouts and pass arounds are a great way to spark discussions. In certain courses I use studt guides, these also spark questions. I keep a track of terms and topics on the side of the board. After a three hour lecture/discussion the students are often amazed at how many topics we actually covered.
Hi T.,
I love class discussions, but the key is to keep the discussion relevant to the lesson. Class discussion must be controlled by the instructor.
Patricia
I have suggested to my students to acknowledge their concerns and/or suggestions on the course evaluation forms at the end of the term. Additionally, I have had them submit written documentations and submitted in our departmental staff meetings.
Jan
Hi Abigail,
In order to find out what's going on with the student, the instructor must listen. You're right, the issue(s) can be school related or personal.
Patricia
Hello Patricia,
Based on your responses in the various forums, you appear to be such a fair instructor, and it shows you do not mind accepting constructive feed even from students.
Patricia
Hi Patricia
Nicely stated! You said it all!
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
What a great response. I can tell you care about your students, and I am sure your students appreciate you.
Patricia
Very well stated, I liked how you stated that we must believe in them regardless. We must not allow ourselves to pass judgement to a studnet. I tell myself everyone of my student's are going to pass and I am going to do everything in my power to help them be successful. Even when they set themselves up to fail, I feel we have to still believe in them and work hard to get them to believe in themselves. Most of us who decided to teach did so because we care about the future of our student's and want to impact their lives for the better.
I liked how you stated that we must reassure them and work on their confidence. Some of our student's have been knocked around so much in their life that they struggle with self-esteem and confidence. If we listen and let them know that they are not just a number but we truly care they will usually work better, and start to build their self-esteem.
I always tell my student's the first day of class that I welcome comments and feedback. I let them know that if they are frustrated with how I am doing something or would be more successful by a different approach to please tell me. I explain to them that I accept negative critism well if done in a professional way. I will also ask students to email me their concerns should they not feel comfortable doing so in class. I believe when student's feel they can speak without "getting in trouble" they will do so before it becomes a problem. However, I do let them know that I will not tolerate unprofessional behavior.
Patricia,
Listening to the student is so beneficial to understanding what the component behind their anger or being a challenge. We must approach the student and just ask what is going on? The issues can stream from family issues to their GPA. Talking with them and reassuring them to have confidence in themselves.
I agree having class discussions is a great way to solicit input from the members of the class. I also find that having the conversation structured so that it is applicable to their lives make it more meaningful.
I have an open door policy. If there is anything they need to discuss with me personnaly, tehy can. I have office hours set up too, for this purpose. If it is something that involves a topic in class, I like to use class discussion. Class discussion is a way for them to hear others and maybe help them with their challenge.
Hi Donald,
Students want and expect us as professionals to be very timely with our responses.
Patricia
Hi David,
I have found that a lot of students only know how to be boisterous and controlling due to their evironment. We as professionals must take these students under our wings and teach them that there is another side to being boisterous and controlling.
Patricia
Hello Elizabeth,
How do you go about using class discussions to figure out solutions?
Patricia
I use class discussions to figure out solutions.
