I tried to take every opinion presented by a student and incorporated into the lesson by getting other students to recognized the value of this opinion by expanding the discussion in classroom. I never let other students or myself belittle any opinion no matter how little it adds to the discussion. This allow every student feel they add opinion to the classroom without any fear of rejection or judgement.
Michael,
Listening is a valuable learning tool and should be made a part of our daily class process. This also enhances the development of respect by students because they can see their instructor considers what they have to say as being valuable.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We can learn a lot from students, if we listen to them. Both things we should continue and things we can change.
Some ways to make your students feel valued is to consider any appropriate suggestions they make. To be a good teacher you need to also be a good listener. If a student has a suggestion listen, take time to think it over and also provide feedback. This will let the student know you really did consider their idea and also feedback is a good way to make the student feel appreciated.
Make good eye contact and listen. Listen to what is being communicated, not just spoken. You can demonstrate value in someone's opinion without necessarily agreeing with it. Sometimes people WANT to be disagreed with.
Charles,
Enthusiasm and passion are two components needed for successful teaching. We bring these two to class and we are going to have more student engagement than we though possible.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Since most communication is non-verbal, I belive we FIRST must open ourselves to new ideas (not attempt to fake it), by realizing that there is something to be learned from everyone. They could just have the missing piece of the puzzle that brings larger pieces of the life puzzle together for us. The excitement we can generate for ourselves can acutally help us to listen with a genuine interest to hear what they have to say.
Ed,
Good strategy to get students to engage in class discussions while knowing they are being respected for their opinions. If they feel that they will be made fun of or devalued for an opinion given or question asked then the class, as you know will start to fall apart.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There are many ways to help students feel that their opinions are valued. One is to ask sincerely what they think about a topic and listen to their answer. I don't try to hide the fact that I may disagree, but I make sure to hear them out and not challenge them directly. Another method that I have found very sucessful is keeping the class respectful of others. I shut down any negative comments or whispers immediately so that a student can express their opinion and know that it is heard.
Rudy,
Good reminder for us all. We need to remember our own student experiences as we plan for our current students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Philip,
Students really like this kind of recognition. The more they can contribute in such ways the more engaged they become. It is a win win for everyone at this point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have always felt if an instructor treats a student with respect, the respect will be mutual. As an instructor, you need to take yourself back a little and remember the difficult times you had when you were a student. Basically, put yourself in their shoes.
When a student comes up with a great insight that hadn't ever occured to me or an unexpected stroke of genius, I will reward it. Making a big deal out of it can encourage others to share as well.
Marie,
Your classes sound fun and I know your students enjoy having the opportunity to demonstrate not only their knowledge but also their creativity.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jean,
I like the approach you are using to communicate with your students. This way the students know they have a caring instructor that will provide them with support if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In the Fashion Design courses I teach, my students are creating designs that come from their hearts and express their individuality. So, encouraging them and empowering their creativity supports the fact that I value not only their opinions but their talents, which are both very personal.
First and formost, acknowledge them in open class for their answer, suggestion, or opinion.
Secondly, you could also write something on their homework if you still have paper homework. A penned note can go a long way in showing a student that they are valued.
Lastly, email them with a sincere note of thanks for their participation.
Mark,
Good way to be the learning leader of the class. You are integrating a variety of ways to keep students engaged and focused on the content with these methods.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Make eye contact when they are talking.
Give them writing opportunities to express their opinions.
Include questions on quizzes like "Why is this important?" or "Which of these do you think is most important?"
Have discussions in class that allow them to express opinions, and react positively, or at least neutrally, to the opinions that are expressed.
You can make student feel that their opinions are valued by complementing them on their solutions. You can even expand on the ideas that they have brought forth.
