By, Edwardo Mojena
Student’s opinions are important so value them and answer them as well so you can earn their respect from them and motivates them in wanting to learn.
Recall their opinions/stories during class discussions. This makes them feel very important and like they matter. Plus it shows you've paid attention to detail.
In order to make students feel values about their opinions is to show respect for their thought process. This is true even if you don't agree or that you know for a fact it is not applicable or correct. Empowering the student to follow through on an opinion even though it may be a mistake and use it as an positive experience for all is a fun way to show we are all learning, all the time. We, together, get to see the results of an opinion, for right or wrong, without fear of failure but excitement for trying and enjoying the learning experience whether the outcome meets our original expectation.
Hi Scott,
When teaching adults this is very important to keep them engaged and feeling they are valued. You make a good point on how to handle their opinions and reinforce them even when their opinions might not be exactly where they need to be in relation to the course content.
Gary
Acknowledge their point of view even if you don't agree. Expand on the opinion with your own experience and include alternative viewpoints for a balanced discussion. An opinion is simply another persons point of view on a particular subject and none are either entirely right or wrong; just different. Demonstrate tolerance for opposing points of view because this is a valuable coping skill that everyone should have and that an Instructor should reinforce in his or her classroom. Ask the student to elaborate on their viewpoint to find out the root causes as to why they feel a certain way about a particular topic, because this can help built a good rapport and a better understanding of the student and how they think.
A way to make students feel their opinions are valued is to let them talk about their opinions and have discussion on the topic. This always is a great way to valadate students.
You as an instructor cannot give off the impression that their question was stupid or petty. By doing so you make the student discouraged and unwilling to participate in class
Upon recieving an expresse opinion be it negative or positive point of to the student ways it cant be achieved or if it can't a suggested change to the opinion that would make it a workable situation. By doing so this will make studnets feel both important and involved
Do onto others as you wish others do onto you the golden rule. Make eye contact move closer to the student when they are speaking.
We might not all agree on the opinion but we can not dismiss it. Develope a method to make every students fell that what they are saying matters. You might be suprised especially with adult students they have some great opinions you can learn something from.
Hi Mary,
Spoken like a true educator. We all need to enjoy when the light comes on. This is what keeps us coming back to the classroom year after year. In your field accuracy and dedication is needed to make sure that the billing process keeps moving forward so you are right about how they need to start thinking like coders.
Gary
I value my students input by acknowledging them when they have an idea whether right or wrong. I may say, if they are wrong, that's one way to look at it, but then rephrase the question to see if I get the answer I'm looking for. I teach Medical Billing and Coding and it is essential to coding that my students start to think like coders. This is accomplished by hours of discussion and it's all good. The aim is to turn their thoughts toward the path they need to be on. I love it when the light bulb goes off and they finally get what thinking like a coder means.
I value my students opinions but I teach the first section every time and for the most part it's the questions I answer to the best I can.
To listen to students and give feedback is important but one has to have time in class to do that. My class is one hour and 50 minutes,
not always enough time. We have a lecture, a demo and then the students are doing the task.
I go around and talk to as many students as I can and this workes well for me and them.
Hi Barbara,
Simple concept but so important. Respect cannot be forced it must be earned. You make a good point about how it is an essential part of teaching.
Gary
You have touched on such an important point. Many teachers complain that they do not get respect in their classroom. There is one essential principal they are forgetting - that is to get respect, you must give respect. It is a two-way street.
Kim Stevens
Listening to your students, allowing them a chance to express themselves or opinion. Try to understanding or acknowledge their opinion, and give positive feedback if necessary. Give them respect and let them know that they appreciate them and value their opinion.
Hi Kim,
This is a way approach to involving students while making sure you are keeping on target with the content. Their questions and discussion keep them engaged and focused which is necessary for continual learning to occur. Great job with this.
Gary
Hello,
I have found that the more you respect your students, the more they respect you. I have always encouraged and valued any student's opinion. I encourage student interaction in every class session in an environment that is non- threatening to student learning. I always provide some sort of praise to the student for working through an answer. I often turn a question into a game by letting other students give hints to allow the student to think through their own answer. Once an answer is given or reached by team approach, I often turn that question into another question for the students to think about and answer. I start my first class by stating that there is no stupid question, and we will always find an answer. I have also given students 3x5 index cards to write down a question as they think of it during class. I then collect the questions and take about twenty minutes at the end of class to answer these questions and use the opportunity to discuss them as a class. This helps to clarify content for students while it is still fresh in their minds.
Kim Stevens
Hi Kim,
What are some ways you have found to be effective as you encourage and support your students?
Gary
teachers should encourage as well as listen to students' questions and ideas.
