Finding out the background of each student on the first day of class makes it easy to draw them in later. Whatever topic I am on I can use the student's background to pose questions to the class. They feel valued and like they are contributing when I do this.
Great answer Rich! I tell my students that one of the benefits of teaching this class is that I learn from them--that it's a two-way street, really. I value their reactions and strive to encourage participation as much as possible. I think students become more immersed in the learning process when classes are less "one-sided."
To show students their opinions are of value, they opionions must be honored with the support to have one. It is almost like the cliche " Their are no stupid questions, only if they are not asked" Opinions are sometimes thoughts that can be learned from or what are called "food for thought". We should know that some opinions can be flawed based on our own moral values however if apply logically we might be able to learn and accept.
One way I have gave value to a student's opinion was to thank them for them or reinforce another way of thinking. Sometimes if known I might give an example of a scholar who might have stated something similar that was closely related.
Hi Katharine,
Great way to send a physical and mental message to students that you care about their success. You are there to help them and they can see that with this approach.
Gary
Look them in the eyes, walk towards them, lean in to them, give them your full attention, incorporate their opinions in your lessons, - most of all by asking them!
Allow them to discuss their opinion and give positive feedback to them. Maybe have a debate, but be careful as to not let the opinions get heated.
examine their value, discussing them with the class and finlly assessing them
One method I use to make students opinions feel valued is a mandatory one on one meeting. At the half way mark, I sit down with each student and go over all assignment and exam grades to date. I ask them if they have any questions or if they have any issues they would like to discuss. In doing this, my students know that I care about them and their success. If there are any problems they are having, they can be addressed immediately. Their opinions matter.
Hi Mary,
Good point. Listening is learning. By listening to your students you are getting insight into where they are in relation to the course and their career perspectives.
Gary
I totally agree that taking the time to listen to the students' opinions is a learning experience for the students as well as the instructor.It also demonstrates the diversity of the class members input and the acceptance of that diversity as a means to professional growth.
Listen and use their opinions in the class. This will prove your value.
I believe that the primary way of fostering vale in a student's opinion is to truely listen to the opinion. This is not just hearing and regurtating the opinion but listening, analyzing and re-presenting the opinion to the student and then delving into the base of the idea. Opinions do not emerge from a vacuume and thus the crux of the issue is where the opinion came from - its basis and the construction upon that foudation to gain an understanding of the student. Thus they KNOW that they are valued.
Hi Maria,
Good list of things to do. What are some other strategies you use with your students to keep them engaged?
Gary
Listen, respond and act if you are in agreement.
I feel the best way to value a student's opinion is to really listen to them, without interruption. Though opinions may vary, respect of the individual and his/her right to think is paramount.
PUT THE STUDENTS THOUGHTS INTO ACTION. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT TIME THAT THE STUDENT CAN BE REINFORCED BY SHOWING THEM THAT YOUR LISTENING TO THEM AND VALUE WHO THEY ARE AND HAVE TO SAY.
I agree! You want the student to know that their opinion counts. Besides, you as an instructor can learn from student opinions.
I find if you listen to he students you can learn what they are about . I find it helps me as an instructor to to beable to touch them in a positive way and it helps not only you but also the student.
I think part of creating an environment where every student feels their opinion is valued is by setting standards for student comment in the beginning. I am clear with my class that the expectation is that their classmates' ideas and comments will be heard and their right to express their opinion valued and respected. I find at first in my class many students will raise their hand and then mid-sentence go..."oh, never mind". I gently encourage them to continue and then praise them afterward. You can see the hesitation lift. If their comment is a bit off track, help them by asking them a more direct question you feel they can answer.
Here are some of the ways in which I try to convey to my students that their opinions are valued:
• Repeat the comment that was made by the student, thank them for their participation, and encourage classmates to respond.
• Answer each question that is asked during the course. It’s never a good feeling to think that someone doesn’t value your question enough to provide an answer.
• Refer back a student that may have made a similar comment or presented a question about a topic that’s being discussed. (i.e. “As Freddie said earlier…”)
• Encourage them to participate in the discussion by talking to them by name.
