class participation
I find class participation is a good for getting to know one another. When my students have group projects it bonds the students and they enjoy it very much. It spices up subjects the students think are boring. Once they become involved that particular subject is now a favorite.
James,
There is something I call "student speak". More times than I can count or remember, in the process of explaining some concept or technical point, after repeated attempts, a classmate will tell another, "he's trying to say...x y z", and the classmate will say, "oh, I get it". As I listen to their summary, I say (usually out loud), "that's what I been saying for the past 20 minutes!". Student speak -- hey, whatever works.
Barry Westling
I find that this is also very beneficial for the instructor as it allows some students to take on a leadership role. They rise to the occasion and help other students through a hurdle; demonstrating or explaining the point differently than the instructor, so the other student(s) understand. The instructor then adds this teaching angle to his notes for future reference.
Miriam,
When students participate, they engage more, retain more, and feel more connected to the topic.
Barry Westling
I agree that having the entire class participating will keep more structure with my students.
Joe,
Discussing student backgrounds is a good way to get students to open up and relate to each other as a group.
Barry Westling
i agree. The more the students know about each other the mroe the students will work well together.
Anita,
Using a variety of activities and delivery methods contribute to better interest and engagement. I love to hear student's comments "where did the time go?" rather than "when will this ever end!" also, sharing ideas or course information is one of the better ways students can reinforce their knowledge.
Barry Westling
It builds class participation and keeps their interest in the subject while sharing with others.
Terry,
Participation engages students, gets them thinking and doing, and usually makes for improved understanding of course material. Making it a part of daily classes creates an expectation that participation is required.
Barry Westling
I agree that class participation is a very important tool in teaching and learning. It enables the teacher to learn more about the students and that helps the instructor to better know the learning needs of the students.
Paul,
It's true there are different ways to participate. Being able to explain, discuss, or articulate the rationale for performing a particular skill is a valuable trait for when the student goes on to the work setting. Students should be given the opportunity to practice their communication skills.
Barry Westling
In the Trades participation in class doesn't always give the students interaction. Sometimes participation simply means that they are participating in their hands-on lab exercises, which are individual work assignments.
VALERIE,
Yes, and strategies to involve and engage all class participants, not just the student's that always answer and lead discussions, is something to strive for. I do "pair-share" to get pairs of students discussing a question, and then alternating who speaks for the pair.
Barry Westling
Class participation exposes students to the views and opinions of their peers. It also enables the instructor to make adjustments in keeping with the learning needs of students.
Sonia,
Employers want employees that can communicate clearly, express an idea, and be confident in their work performance. Students need to have an opportunity to practice their expression, speech, and perhaps, receive correction or suggestions from their instructors on ways their interpersonal/group communications can be improved upon.
Barry Westling
I agree with you. Class participation is very important for numerous reasons. It allows instructors to understand the students point of view and it also opens up the different possibilities to answers
MARISSA,
Practical application adds a dimension to learning that lecture and discussion alone cannot match. I have said that knowledge without application is of little use. Classes are more interesting and enjoyable when there is a practical application component.
Barry Westling
The above-mentioned comment is true. In my lab classes, students do hands-on activities such as analyzing urine samples and swabbing each others throat. They also use the microscope in order to view different types of bacteria and cells in urine. They enjoy these activities tremendously.
Glenda,
Yes, I agree, and I believe more one on one interaction and group activities help students in their emotional stability, as well as learning to depend on others for complementary information. No one lives or works in a bubble, and getting students used to interaction is healthy for assisting with their academic studies.
Barry Westling
