Each student as an individual needs recognition. Sharing a few words in adition to instructional feedback is important.
Hi Patrick,
Absolutely! Every student matters, and each student should feel that they are important. It is the instructor's job to interact with ALL students.
Patricia
Mark,
You make a very valid point about the quiet students. I am also the externship coordinator at our campus for the medical assisting students and the quiet ones really shine in the real world application of their skills. Many times the shy and quiet students have surprised me in the clinical setting.
Thanks
Debbie
I try and remember every student. I am one of those instructors’s that has a hard time remembering names. I try it is hard when you have a class for 25 to 35+ student who you have never met. I work on this every term and after doing the module I recognize that this is a personal goal I need to set to improve on. Sometimes I personally can get to focused on making sure that I cover all of the material that I probably forget how important it is to use the students names.
When working with adult learners it is essential to include them in the class. They need to feel as if they are apart of the learning process not just a sideline observer.
It is true that it is easier to let the more outgoing students be the ones to monopolize the discussion, but as an instructor who has had many years experience, I have found that it is often the quiet ones who once engaged will surprise and delight in their insight and knowledge. Sometimes it is just a matter of increasing confidence and setting the stage for a light hearted classroom feel. Once students understand that you are not there to embarrass them, the impact on classroom dynamics is maximized and everyone benefits including me.
Each student is important to the group learning process. A team/group is composed of individuals who are capable of contributing ideas to the whole. It is important that no one be excluded.
Interacting with students helps instructors to know and understand the student as a person, helps to assess the student's level of interest and understanding, and helps to identify and diffuse problems before they become disruptive to the class.
From a student perspective, interacting with students helps students to feel comfortable in the class, to feel that the instructor cares about their success, and helps the student develop a vested interest in the learning process.
Hi Linda,
I love interacting with my students. I too learn a lot from my students. They sure can teach you how to survive.
Patricia
Hi Edwin,
I make it a point daily to great each student and to make small talk with each student. Students love it when you give them personal attention. This is a great way to bond.
Patricia
It's important to interact with each student to let them know that you care about them personally and you want them to succeed. This will keep them motivated to reach their goals.I jump in to help students who appear to be confused or are making mistakes during a hands on exercise.I will demonstrate or coach students through a particular procedure or calculation one on one.
I learn so much from my students. It is important to me to see that they understand this. Learning is more than a two-way street. This also validates them and their reason for being back in school. They 'buy in' to what is being taught if they are able to interact with the instructor and the other students.
The student that is quite or not really talking in class but is present in body posturing and paying attention is teh student that I like to work with. They are taking in the information, but not able to share in front of others - although small groups are a powerful intervention, I still like to give the student an opportunity to express themselves in class without embarssement. I usually do this by asking them to share something that is of enjoyment to them - like listenting to music, etc. Then I thank them for sharing and will usually talk with them after class about how they were able to handle interaction.....
It is important to interact with every student to let them know you place value on them. It is good to remember things about them from their introductions, and ask them how things are going to let them know you care.
Every student wants to know if they are in the club or out of the club. Each needs to feel inclusion where their classroom experience is concerned.
So that we can get across to them.
Students like to feel their opinion and experiences are valued. Interacting with each students encourages class participation, allows them to feel valued, and makes the learning more personal.
It allows me get to know their academic strengths, weaknesses, plus identify any potential learning gaps they may have. Secondly, I think the students realize that I am approachable and open to anything they feel the need to discuss with me.
students that feel left behind will likely lose interest in the course material or drop out.
Hi Eon,
We must let our students know that we are approachable and we care. Interacting allows our students to better see/feel our personality.
Patricia
