Set aside time so students can clearly explain their thoughts and opinions in relation to the topic at hand.
Freddie,
Good strategy to follow as this approach will encourage all students to contribute to class discussions and sharing sessions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As students communicate their opinion, allow for discussion in the class. In doing so, students will be able to share ideas that will create an understanding that will last forever. Then the instructor should let the students know that they communicated a good thought on the topic.
Alicia,
Opinion sharing and group discussions are important in the teaching process because students need to develop the ability to articulate clear and concise information about their field. Good communication skills are essential for career growth.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Encourage and allow students the opportunity to express and share their thoughts and experiences. Empowering the students to give their opinion shows that you as an instructor respect them and have a vested interest in learning.
Frances,
This is very important if we are going to have input from all students. They need to know they will be respected as individuals for what they contribute even if there is a difference of opinion among the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
All opinions should be welcomed and non-judged. I think students feel a part of the class if they are allowed to express themselves.
Eboni,
Can you expand on this point?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Listening to the students the using their input in the lecture.
Fidencio,
Students need to learn how to express their ideas and thoughts in clear and concise ways. The more skill they develop in this area the better prepared they will be in the work place as much of their career success will be dependent on their communication skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I always encourage students to voice their ideas becuase this might help others students get a better grasp of the material that I am teaching
Jeffrey,
I agree. One of the parts of being a teacher is that you will be a life long learner. If we forget that then we are no longer fulfilling our professional responsibilities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When teachers can no longer learn from their students they need to leave the profession. The fact that you will listen, weigh and consider student opinions will create mutual respect.
Opening th door to learn from your students makes what they say valuable to them. I tell my students at the beginning of the class that everything we say and do teaches others. "Everything is a good example of something, even when it is "wrong"."
My classes often use group discussions as a platform of exploration. I "sheep herd" to keep students from quietly falling out of the group by coming to their desk and not talking in a pitch intended for everyone at first and then slowly raising it to include the group back in. It keeps students from thinking I'm making an example of them (trust) and helps pull them back to the group.
John,
Students need to develop their abilities to problem solve and do critical thinking. Your discussion sessions are helping them to expand their expertise in both.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I encourage my students' opinions by creating a safe environment for exploring new ideas & theories. Many of my exercises require input from the students in which I demonstrate why or why not a method would work.
John M.
Bridget,
One of the most powerful instructional tools that a teacher has is listening. Students really respond when they know their instructor is really listening to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Let them be involved answer their questions and listen to their experiences, you will be surprised but some students have a lot to share even if they are only 18 or 19 that is relevant to some courses
good listening skills are a must as an instructor some instructors feel they should always talk listening to someone is all they need sometime
Brian,
Good for you as the learning leader. This sets the tone for the class. As a result all of the students will feel that they can contribute and be listened to without being made fun of or belittled.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
