Some of the things that I do to endure students know their opinions are important is to ask for their feedback and input into discussions. If I or someone else in the do not agree with a person's opinion, I acknowledge that we will not always agree, however that everyone's opinion matters, and should be respected. If two or more stuents disagree on a topic, I allow each student, if time permits to voice his or her opinion, without judgement. If the discussion starts to get heated, I will difuse the situation, usually by stating that everyone's opinion matter, no matter if we agree or disagree.
Howard,
This approach is so important because it helps to earn the respect of students while establishing rapport with them.
Gary
Specifically affirm an opinion which is obviously on target, express your gratitude to the student for sharing their opinion, wherein you can do so honestly, highlight the "uniqueness" of the opinion, and praise the student's ability to think clearly and critically.
Students will feel their opinions are valued when the instructor makes eye contact with them while they are speaking. Acknowledging all student responses with a positive response, even when their answer is wrong or inappropriate, builds the trust between students and instructors. This allows the students to feel their opinion is valued and they will share their opinions more frequently. This also is a great way for teachers to develop their interpersonal skills which will enhance classroom learning.
I always listen to my students whether I agree or not to what they say. It helps to understand where they are at in the course,as well as life in general. They can help you as an Instructor know where you are at in your instruction and if the material is relevant and understandable to them. You do have to sometimes hear that you are
failing in or missing something--but you can correct situations and they will appreciate your work.
Yolanda,
There is a saying "When you are listening you are learning, when you are talking you are not.". This is what you are saying about the need to listen to your students so you can customize your instruction to and for the current group of students.
Gary
It is important to hear what student have to say, and include their comments in your discussion to make them feel that their opinions matter. Although you are the instructor in the class, you can learn something from your students. When a student feel inclusive in the classroom environment, they put a lot of effort in learning and retaining materials.
Discussion time helps, where you give everyone an opportunity to discuss topics relevant to the course material
Sara,
By showing the students you care about them and their success while working to expand your expertise as an educator you will develop into the instructional delivery specialist you want to want to be before you know it.
Gary
I am new to being an instructor, so I take my student's opinions to heart. Most have been in school awhile so they know what they expect out of a class. After all you are there for them to learn, why not use their opinions.
read their paper in class
give them oral feedback..."perfect, or thats great!"
Everyone looks to be valued by others, and students are no different. In many cases, students are returning to school after discouraging past academic experiences and/or after a forced change in profession. Because of this, they are looking for their own value and worth.
As instructors, we have the ability to show students that their ideas and opinions are valued and worthwhile. In most cases, validation is the easiest way to make this happen. By acknowledging that the student is entitled to his or her opinion or that an opinion is particularly insightful helps the student build confidence in his or her own thoughts.
In no situation should an instructor blow off a student's opinion. If the opinion is entirely off base, then it's the instructor's responsibility to re-focus the student's efforts. For instance, ask the student what information in the text supports that point of view. Asking a student to expand or justify the view provides the student with the ability to tweak the initial response as well as teaches the importance of having informed and supportable opinions.
I have found that actively listening, monitoring my own body language, proximity to the student, and, even pausing reflectively before answering a student builds rapport with the class.
I really enjoy trying to make students feel like their opinions are valued. I believe that students can see if an Instructor values their opinion. I believe that useing a students opininon in the classroom is also a fine art, sometimes opionions are just that and do not have any academic value. Listening to an opinion and then reflecting on that opinion in with the student individually is not healthy also, it should be shared with the class. Trying to put value on an opinion is important and should be treated with care.
Thank You,
Ian
Listening, encouraging and valuing students opinions provides motivation and encouragement for students by letting them know that they are repected and important stakehkolders in the educatin process. Everyone loves to be heard. Listening and valuing student opinions encourage participation And we=hen students are actively engaged they perform better
Michael,
Well said. I like your "old school" thinking in relation to respect for the life experiences our students bring into our classes. We can learn from them as they from us. This is a two way street of respect that needs to be encouraged.
Gary
By focusing on the student,encouraging them to add more to the subject and giving them a positive feed back on the topic they chose.
I have many students in my class that are a bit older than me so when it comes to their opinion I hold it in the highest regards. My adult students know and need to feel they have the respectt of the class. Maybe I am just old school but experience trumps a lot and younger people forget that sometimes.
I always make it a point to have the students provide feedback on the major activities that we complete in class. Students submit their comments about what they liked about the project and ways that the project could be improved for the next class. They often provide wonderful ideas to improve the activity.
I feel it is so valuable for us to learn from each other. Every individual has different thoughts and opinions that when they share it helps everyone. I believe it is an invaluable tool to use in the classroom some students retain information better at times when coming from their peers.
I believe listening to our students can help us and can help our students. It shows that we value their opinion.
