Creating An Open Environment
Creating a classroom environment that is open to student input and discussion is critical to the learning process.
Hi Carla,
This is such important point. Many of the classes and career areas we work in involve human subjects as patients, students or clients. Our career college students need to realize how important it is to be professional in handling information and relationships we have with these individuals.
Gary
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comments about using class discussions. Many instructors are afraid of using them because of their perceived loss of control. As you mention this isn't problem at all if you fulfill the role of leader and channel the topics where you want them to go.
Gary
I usually let the students know that there will be different opinions offered that they may disagree with and to stay professional eventhough they have a different point of view. I am always ready to step in and put an abrubt end to any discussion that I feel is getting away from the accepted professional conduct.
It is most important during sensitive discussions. I have found that a controlled classroom environment is most effective. When I say controlled, I am referring to implementing a student code of conduct to ensure discussions are kept professional yet meaningful.
I also try to get students involved in open discussions. I do find I still have alot of control over what direction the discussions take by encouraging students to build on ideas presented by others and also being very careful to keep them from getting off topic.
Hi Arnold,
Good point. When you have unprepared students you have to take control of the discussion and provide learning opportunities that will get the students back into the flow of the course. If you don't as you well know the class can quickly spin out of control.
Gary
When students have prepared for the subject, opening the classroom up for "open" discussions works quite well. However, if the students are not prepared for class this is probably not something that I would allow to continue for very long.
I would agree with this as long as discussions are controlled and the focus is on topic. I allow some straying in my classes but have found that if I let things go too far, then the intent is diminished. Do you have problems with this approach in your classes?
