The Tone of Your Voice and Paying Attention to a Student When Asking a Question
We have taken many classes and continue to be life-long learners. The most important thing when asking a question to me is the tone of the voice of the Instructor and having the Instructor pay attention while I am asking a question and answering. This applies to answering e-mails or posting discussion questions too. I avoid keying in All Capitals or using the Exclamation point. I sometimes use the Exclamation point if I respond to a statement like "Very Good!" If I was in a live class, then I am enthusiastic when replying even if the question was not the correct one.
Yes, I agree that this is very important. It can definitely turn a student off from ever asking a question again if they feel like they are getting negative feedback, even if it is unintentional.
Hi Sarah-Thanks for your post! I agree, it's easy to be misunderstood in the online environment - we need to think and then type carefully. Best wishes- Susan
Good point about tone of voice - I think I'm pretty good at that in person but I try to really pay attention to that in emails and comments for my online students. I always try to make it sound like I welcome the question.
This is a good point, Bobbi. I think it's important to remember that words, and words alone, are normally sufficient to communicate the emotions that we want to project. Using creative punctuation or changing the font can be an "easy way out" instead of working to find the appropriate wording.
I think that when responding online, if you do not like to use the exclamation point, you can use phrases like "that is an excellent idea." Using words that convey excitement or overall approval generally give that conotation without using the exclamation point.
Good Luck! :-)
Bobbi Bricker
I agree with your assertion that the tone of the instructor is key to communicating your willingness to listen to, and assist the student. I think that principle applies in so many different areas in life. For instance, a Dr. with poor bedside manner makes it much tougher for the patient to be comfortable and forthcoming with questions and information. There are definitely those who are intimidating, and those who are approachable, and from experiencing these types in all arenas, I'm sure we would all say that approachable is the way to go!
Respectfully,
Misty Walker
I try to minimize my use of CAPS, underlining,italics, etc to when I want to stress the importance of the response to an student email or postings to the class. I do, however, include emoticons to try and convey a sense of personality, humor,and warmth to what can be an otherwise sterile environment; be a "voice in the machine" ;-)
HI Laurie- Good point. (I wanted to use the ! but decided to save it for later in my post) LOL I have the same feelings when posting online. It's hard to convey your enthusiasm without the ! Best wishes !!- Susan
