meeting class for the first time…
I teach a class that has been together for around 6 months, so they are familiar with one another.
is having them put names up on theirs desks a strange concept for them as they already know one another well.
There are always some people in a class that are unwilling to open up within the class…
what is the best way to have someone become more involved and vocal?
Daniel,
The key is to "read" the students so you know how to interact with them just as you mention. We need to be careful as we don't want to put students into uncomfortable situations for which they aren't prepared.
Gary
I believe there are many factors involved in this question. It is important to understand each student and what motivates them. Often times a student may be inherently introverted and forcing them to become explicitly involved in class can be a deterrent to learning and to the student overall. I tread lightly with students like this.
Hi Sabine,
Good point and one all of us instructors need to remember as we approach students. Get to know them and then use that knowledge to engage them in the class.
Gary
Being a very shy person myself I definitely agree with that. If someone forcibly tries to make me "come out of my shell," I immediately react negatively (out of instinct) and the relationship will not be very successful. I agree that different people need to be approached differently.
Hi Bonita,
Good reminder of how we need to support students. Glad to hear you had a special educator in your past that helped you move forward with your development.
Gary
Sometime when I have a very shy student, I remember what my elementary teach did for me when I was shy. Make be feel special.
Hi Mauricio,
Glad to hear you had a good first day. I am sure by now you are getting settled into your role as a professional educator, career model and human resource to your students. Keep these different roles in mind and prepare for each as you enter the classroom and you will have a great teaching career. I wish you much success.
Gary
Hi Martin,
Yes, it does help to open up the students. They start to see that you are an experienced professional that has earned his living in the field. In addition, they start to connect their future career with money and this helps to motivate them in their studies.
Gary
I was so nervous the first day that I met with the students. The fact of some students being older made me got me thinking I wonder if they are going to take me serious? Bit overall had a wonderful day.
I found that if I talk about my past experiences about earning an income and how that relates to what I am teaching this helps some students open up and start to talk more about themselves.
Hi Francesca,
It is amazing how a few minutes of personal attention can create a great relationship with a student. This is good advice for all instructors. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Hi Mike,
Good advice for instructors. By earning the respect of our student we can create rapport with them and this will help them to open up more with us. It is a process that we need to move slowly through so everyone is comfortable as it is developing.
Gary
Hi Warren,
When I have students that don't want to open up much within the class I assign a case study for them to work on where they input their experience and problem solving skills. This gets them to share their expertise and knowledge. I find that they build confidence with this and become much more active within the course as a result.
Gary
i sometimes come in early to sit for a minute with the students that do not really open up in class.
the ones that are not part of the 'group'. I find that they open up more on a one to one basis and after talking with them for about five minutes i have a better idea fo how to relate to that person without putting them 'out there'.
after that little one on one i find that they find it easier to come up to me with their own questiosn on a one on one basis. usually in the few minutes just after class has bee dismissed.
this is very true… sometimes it's worth while catching up with individuals after or before class to get a better idea of what they are thinking, or what issues they might have.
My advice is not to push too hard on getting them to open up. I have had students who were uncomfortable in my class but now talk to me all of the time. Some people are not outgoing and it is not reasonable to expect them to come out of their shell. My approach is to nurture them and to talk with them on a professional level. Sometimes it works.
