Every student has the right to have their opinion valued. As an educator, one of our most important roles is to encourage student input to enhance learning. When a student is embarassed or made to feel that there is little to no time for questioning, they begin to question the expertise of the instructor. I have been a student (as most of us have) in classes where the instructor's lack of knowledge resulted in the "bullying technique" for student responses. The student was told "you need to look that up" or "we don't have time to go into that now." The reality was that the instructor did not have the knowledge or expertise to answer the questions asked. The result was student withdrawal from questioning anything -- which is all too common in many classrooms.
Barbara Stevens
Hi Kris,
Well said. You are an active learner when you are listening to what your students are saying plus they will respect you since you are willing to be a good listener. This is a win - win for everyone.
Gary
By being a good listener and asking opinion questions during class
Hi Rebekah,
Great way to bring all of the students into the learning process while demonstrating to them that you value and respond to their input. This is of great encouragement to them and I know helps them to become even more engaged in the class. Thanks for sharing your strategies with us. They are going to be of help to many other instructors.
Gary
I have them give feedback for what would make the course learning/instruction better at the end and periodically after we have done centers (different group activities emphasizing different learning styles.
They rate the group activity and their members on a form and this gives me valuable feedback and involves them in how material will be presented. The following class period we will talk about what worked and what didn't and what I need to change or do again and what we need to work on interpersonally in group communications. In addition, we do case studies in groups and they learn how to communicate with each other that supports different opinions using clarifying/paraphrasing their members comments etc...
I also emphasize participation and the safety of giving opinions by saying I understand what you are saying and it has some very valid points but what if.........in this setting........ So I would never say that's wrong, that won't work..... because that would shut them down and they would be afraid to risk speaking next time.
I praise their strengths and their overall experience that they shared with the class at that moment, allowing them to shine in the moment by telling them int eh discussion questions that this is the type of example I want to see from them, to show others what they can also provide as well, to add value to the discussion.
I have found out by listening to my students on there opinion on a subject that is on the table at that time. Show them in a example how through there opinions was taken and that powers to be listened and implimented what they have suggested. They my have not taken all there suggestions but have chosen one that would work to improve the subject that was on the table. It is alway good to keep a open mine and let the student voice there opinion verses not. It shows that they have a voice in class and we listen!!
I love my students comments, having them participate in the discussion is a great way to let the students know that they play an active role in the class.
I have always tried to acknowledge students opinions and be objective in hearing them out.
In almost every class we have written group question and answer reviews. Not infrequently the students challenge my
"correct" answer. Sometimes I have made a mistake and the textbook supports their answer. In that case I admit that I am less than perfect and complement them for correcting my error. I let them know that I admire their diligence.
What I enjoy the most is when my answer is correct but they are able to show me that a reasonable person could read the question in a manner that would justify their answer. I think that is fantastic and let them know how I feel.
I let them know, that even if they are incorrect, I truly admire and respect a reasonable challenge. I love it when are willing to speak up and make stop, listen and think. It gives me an opportunity to learn.
I really value my students opinions.
I talk with my student daily on a 1-1 basis I always ask them their thoughts about the days lesson as well as discuss any concerns they may have in or outside of school that may be interfering with their studies. I encourage them to bring any questions or concerns to me. I remind them that I am there for them no matter what. We have open class dialog as well. My students know that I care and value what they think and feel, after all they are our customers without them there is no need for me.
Give them the opportunity and allow them time to express their opinion and viewpoints.By asking them for interactive conversation about their opinion it will show that you are interested in what they have to say. Just by saying to them,"tell me more about why you feel strongly" about whatever the topic may be, opens the door for their ability to trust and respect you because the know that their opinion matters.
Allowing students to voice their opinions in an open and supportive classroom setting and giving them positive feedback on their opinions.
As an instructor I can acknowledge each students contribution to the class as we cover the material. I can invite different opinions by using real world examples and then asking students what they think about it. I recognize that the students will not have to share my opinion, and in fact my opinion may shape my approach. I must become a facilitator and gauge the success of the discussion by the level of participation. Participation works best when the students believe that what they say is important, and valued. I usually do this by acknowledging their contribution, making eye contact, and thanking them for their comments.
I like that--you may open a can of worms, but I am sure most of the time this would work to everone's advantage
I like to have my students tell me about themselves on the first day of class. I make short notes about them on my class roster. I then pull them into class discussions based on their background. The students really respond to this, they feel valued because I have remembered something about them and acknowledged it .
Valuing students’ opinions makes the students feel good and encourages them to continue doing a great job. As instructors’ we can do the following to show the students that we value their opinions:
1. Listen attentively to all what the students have to say.
2. Be patient when they are trying to explain their thoughts and ideas.
3. Respond to the students’ opinions with sincerity and positive feedbacks.
4. Encourage students to share their opinions.
5. Let the students know that their opinions are very valuable and we are all interested to hear them.
6. Let the students know that there is no such thing as wrong or incorrect opinions.
7. Sincerely thank the students whenever they share their opinions.
I often ask students for feedback on a certain topic that we are covering. Occasionally I will ask students to come up with essay questions that I can encorporate to my test banks. You can always tell when they recognize a question that they came up with on the exam. They realy appreciate the fact that we take the time to incorporate some of their questions.
Sometimes this is the hardest thing to do - especially when students are young and what they say does not meet with "reality." That said, I agree that you should never blow off a student and that giving them nonjudgmental feedback is the key. I love to have opinionated students.
Hi Scott,
I really like the way you tie experts in the field into your class by letting students know that they have come to the same conclusions as the expert. This builds their confidence as well as helps them to want to expand their knowledge base.
Gary
If the student has the courage to present a controversial viewpoint, I will then point out that a certain expert in the field holds the same opinion. For example, in the Criminal Justice field, where the experts frequently disagree about important matters, it can be reassuring for students to know that an acclaimed professional holds the same opinion as the student.
