Paying attention to students comments and follow up.
As a new instructor I've had the priveledge of sitting in on some classes. One commonality I've noticed is that if students feel comfortable in the program, they make comments. Sometimes it's just for fun, sometimes its just to complain and other times it seems like it just popped into their head and they spit it out. I imagine many of these comments have validity or offer doorways to student perspectives. Addressing some of these comments in private or in front of the class seems a way to build rapport and show that you are listening and engaged with students.
Hi Matthew,
Good question but I don't know the answer. Need to do some checking to see if we have demographics on our participants that show age groups.
Will try to find this out and see how the responses are given in relation to age groups.
Gary
Do you find it is typically the younger students that participate in these forums? Do we need a "less techy" avenue for older students? Curious on your thoughts.
Hi, I use discussion comments to help with assignments and questions in the classroom. I think that checking the discussion board on a daily basis helps the students feel like they are in a classroom and that you exist.
Hi John.
The comfort level is set by the instrutor. I find as soon as I greet the class, a smile and respectful body language sets the tone.
A general overall acknowlegement of the group opens up a friendly session.
I relish the comments students have. It brings the class outside the box for a bit. But the instrutor needs to set a time limit on the discussion of comments and reel back the class into the format of lessons for the day.
I wholeheartedly agree. Instructors should be just as concious of verbal and non-verbal communiction from students, as well as the student learning the same approach. Students find value in being valued.
Hi Jennifer,
Right you are about listening to students. One of the most powerful teaching tools you have is listening. President Johnson had a favorite quote that I like. "When you are talking you aren't learning." By listening we learn so much about our students and where they are coming form. This helps us to provide the support they need.
Gary
It's always important to listen to a student even if it is a complaint. Listening to the student reassures them that you relaize they are people too.
Hi John,
You are exactly right in your understanding of how to approach situations like the one you observed. The personal approach helps to create that all important rapport just as you mentioned. Rapport gives a relationship where you can encourage, support and develop students.
Gary
