In analyzing the students comments, you must take into consideration the student's background and experience. It would always be bad to make the student feel dumb. Even if the comment is uninformed, the teacher should use it to expand the discussion by adding other ideas they may not have thought of.
Whatever the student says, respond to it, either by a comment or a question. Have genuine interest in what the student has to say, even if you disagree with it. If the comment is obviously incorrect, lead the student to a new conclusion through a question or another situation.
Elizabeth
Active listening is an excellent way to make someone feel not only that their opinion is valued, but that they have been heard. Sometimes I will rephrase what a student has said to me and expand on why I agree with them, or validate their opinion if I don't share their agreement. It is important to dignify the responses students have to energetic classroom discussions because you want everyone to feel safe and heard.
When you allow your students to share thier thoughts and feelings regarding whatever the subject is at hand. It gives them freedom of expression for one. And secondly, they feel comfortable expressing themself to you, as well as to others. Thirdly, they have been able to express themself to others where in the past not been comfortable to do so.
First, by acknowledging their opinion as being of value. It does not necessarily have to be correct, but it does have to be at least thought provoking in order for there to be some learning to take place. This in the end is a win-win as everyone feels good about the process.
Everyone has an opinion. It is the educators job to promote an acceptance that everyones thoughts are important. Every persons opinion is entitled to be heard. We all want to be valued. We do not have to agree....but we do need to be shown respect.
Hi Ralph,
This is so true. A good instructor will be a good listener as well. It is through listening that we learn. I saw a plaque that read "When you are talking you are not learning!". I have always thought of that saying when I have started a new class. I need to remind myself to be sure and listen so I can learn from my students.
Gary
I have found it important to be an active listener while students are sharing their opinons. This includes asking questions of clarity, sometimes asking questions which cause them to probe further with their thinking. Just maintaining an open posture, making sure other members of the class are showing the same respect seems to encourage my students to actively share their opinions in class. I try to always thank them for sharing and for taking the risk in sharing oppossing views on a topic. Even thanking them for sharing information that I was not aware of is accepted.
Respond to their comments, always in a positive manner.
I ask the students to share their opinions on topics and most times the opinons they have are based on their experience. I learn from the students point of view and the information shared and it is my hope that the other students who are listening in class also learn.
Listen, repeat the student's point, and ask more questions. These are few ways that an instructor can make students feel their opinions are valued.
Hi Johnny,
Seasons greetings to you as well. I wish you a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
Appreciated your statement. Simple yet right on the point.
Gary
Hello Doc,
Happy Holidays to you. I found one way to be successful in class as well as life; truly listen and consider what has been said.
Cheers,
Johnny
I ask tell them directly. I will say " great contribution" or "good thinking". I also will ask them questions by name.
I agree, in discussion we can thank for early posts, good content, good format etc. In the assignment we can thank for showing critical thinking, good sources, reflecting the course material well in a specific section ect. Always balance negative comments with positive and suggestions so they know where to go moving forward.
In the online environment when replying to a student's discussion post using specific piece from their post in the reply and calling attention to its value gives value to the students academic work and presence in the discussion.
Hi Nacole,
This is a great way to improve your instructional delivery while enabling your students to be a part of your professional development. You can customize your instruction throughout the course as a result of their input and this really helps you to create a connection with the students.
Gary
One method I like to use is to incorporate an idea from a student into the next class meeting. For example, I allow my students to tell me the pros and cons of each class, and how that class could be improved next week (short survey at the end of class). I read over those, and incorporate an idea, method, or review difficult material. Depending on the topic, I will let that student know I appreciate their input (in class) and encourage everyone to keep giving me great suggestions and feedback.
Hi Michelle,
Good example of valuing student opinions and input. Plus, this helps us to stay at the top of our game as we are teaching our content to others.
Gary
I have to value the students opinions ,example as a experienced instructor we forget and fall into the same pattern. I was in the surgical technology lab and I was prepping the patient and the student ask how do we put the patient on the OR table. I stop dead in my own tracks because I know how a patient is placed on a gurney and transferred to the OR table. I forgot the basic skills. At that time a student that was on externship stop by the lab and voiced his opinion and said that's why the nurse in the OR thought that I was lazy, because I was not comfortable with moving the patient to the OR table and you need to teach that to the students. The student on externship was correct. I truly value the students opinions.
