I have also found that group activities, even as simple as playing a word game with students separated into groups, does wonders for student rapport amongst one another. It is so rewarding to see young and older students working together towards a common goal.
David,
Right you are. Risk taking is a part of career development. So the more we can help them develop the confidence needed to take risks and be critical thinking problem solvers the greater service we will be providing.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Allen,
Good way to start earning their respect and developing rapport with them. This sets the stage for a successful course for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Students need to take risks in order to learn for there future and they will not take risks if they do not feel accepted into a class or group.
When I get a class for the first time we have the time to meet and greet each other. I explain to them that what they are currently doing I have also done! I too was where they are now sitting. A positive attitude, and a definite goal is paramount in being succesful in the classroom.
It is extremely important to feel accepted in the class by both classmates as well as the instructor. This builds a students confidence level no matter what the age of the student. As an instructor you can identify the shy students as well as the more confident ones. Having the students engage in team or group activities where the instructor forms the group of both types of students opens the door on many levels to all students to begin to feel accepted. They have opportunities to make a contribution as well as lead. I like to engage students in reading a problem out loud and leading the discussion. I believe this is a good start to building confidence and begin to feel accepted. The second part of this is to give positive feedback and encourge as well as support there participation.
Bakhriya,
So true. The students need to know you are there to support and encourage them to be successful if they will put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
to feel student welcome in classroom is very important it motivate students to be involved and more interested to be present
Michael,
Yes, they will. This is a situation that needs to be avoided because these students will soon be gone and as a result their career goals will not be met.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ronnie,
This is such an important part of teaching. The students need to feel valued and supported. When they do they will be more engaged and focused on learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Because if a student does not feel accepted then the will feel left out and will not apply them selves to understanding what is being tought to them.
i agree, be accepted it key for student, so they can fell at ease
I try to make every student feel inportant, leason to what they have to say. Talk about any problems they may have.
Sarah,
Since you are walking in both words, that of a student and a teacher you have a foundation from which to operate. I like the way you approach your teaching. You are giving your students to be interactive and engaged as they acquire the required content. A win win for everyone.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Being a current student myself in a graduate program, I can experience first hand what many of my students experience. It is important for all students to feel accepted by their peers. This helps to lead to a non-judgemental class where the class feels open to share opinions and even respectfully disagree. Students who do not fit in may not see classroom discussion the same way as the students who feel accepted. If a student does not feel accepted, they may see a voiced different opinion as a personal attack rather than a difference of opinion. This may lead to them not wishing to participate in discussion and could lead to failure or dropping out of a program.
when a student feels accepted, he is more likely to participate in activties. He or she wont have the fear of others making fun of them. This will allow more students to ask question.
Douglas,
I am starting a new class tomorrow night and will be using this format. I really enjoy the information I get from my students for the reasons you list. I can't wait to see what this new group of students are going to be like.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Hi!! Doug Allen here.
I too set aside time for a get-to-know-you session at the beginning of the semester. I ask students to tell me a little bit about themselves and, in turn, I share some of my own life experiences. This give-and-take sets the stage for more relaxed conversations later and helps to loosen up the class. They find that they have something in common, something to say and to share. From that sense of value I try to build a rapport that will help me create a positive learning environment.
It will keep them on track
It'll keep them motivated to be a beyond the minimun and continusly improving
DaKetia,
So true. Feeling a part of the learning community is important for students to keep in their minds. Knowing they have a supportive instructor that is there to help them be successful if they will put forth the effort is valuable in keeping them engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
