Listening
Students normally stays engage for about 15 minutes and then block you out. planning how a class should be run to engage all the students are important.
I not only listen to what they say, but I make sure they know that I believe them to be just as capable as anyone in the class. They may require different strategies, but I make sure they know I expect them to be on the same level of learning the material as everyone in the class.
Good question!
I generally raise my voice for verbal inflections to emphasize key points. But I also throw out questions about the material. I have found that in today's classroom (when technology is keeping many of us at maximum speed) students have less attention spans than, say, 10, 15, 20 years ago. I don't mind so much, but this does keep me on my toes, and I have to find ways for regaining their attention. Some of my classes require four hours of lecture, but I break that up in to smaller learning chunks (sort of speak): we take several breaks, complete group activities, take notes during lectures, and more often than not, I keep an open forum--even when I lecture. That way, they will stay (generally speaking) tuned in.
Debra,
yes, yes, yes I cannot emphasize this enough, the importance of listening & showing that we care.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Listening is a vital part of the learning process. My experience has been that if students feel like you really are listening, they will feel more connected to you.
This directly correlates to students with disabilities because they know that you are there to help in any way you can, therefore helping them succeed.
I agree. Listening is an important part of effective communication between the students and the instructor. In order to build raport and trust with the students,the instructor needs to have an open door policy and be approachable.
Sherry,
yes, this really helps open up the idea that I can cover different topics at different rates to best accommodate my students.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
When you listen to your students you as a Instructor can help them and yourself get what they need to help them be successful.
Christie,
and it is a skill that can be learned so if we can model it & also help our students learn this skill they will be that much better off.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
"Listening" is important in any age, any career, any way of life, any teaching AND any learning experience. Listening well allows specific information between people in order to give specific help/guidance.
