Hi Dolores,
You make a good point about drawing out students. You are right about the fact that once they start contributing to the class they become more involved in future discussions. This really builds their self confidence.
Gary
Showing the students that their opinions are valued is one way to make sure that the class environments remains oprn and trusting. There are various ways to show that the opinions are valued. This module mentioned that the instructor needs to be actively listening rather than sorting papers, asking questions to call forth further information, and commenting positively on the student responses. I think that another way is to use journaling and making individual comments in the journals. Often I have found that I can bring information from the journals into the next class discussion. When I do that, I often am able to bring a more reluctant student in the discussion by referring to a journal entry he or she made and asking for further explanation. In this way, I am affirming the student by remembering his or her journal comments and noting that the comments were good as well as bringing the student into the class discussion. I find that once a student talks, he or she is more likely to continue joining in the conversation.
Dolores Kiesler
Having true respect for all students is essential. To respect student opinions, I always involve some type of discussion in my lessons. However, I also use it as a learning opportunity and encourage students to have sound research or experience to back up their claims or views.
Hi Sandy,
Sounds like you have some very dynamic discussions because they involve not only the students but you as well. This is a compliment to how involved you are able to get your students.
Gary
I also teach an online class, but there are points connected to the discussion forum which are earned by responding to the prompts of other students. I am consistently amazed at how often I find I have added my own comments in the discussion threads.
There are several ways in which an instructor can make a student feel as if their opinions are valued:
1. Ask opinion questions
2. Listen to the student's opinion and let them finish before asking additional questions.
3. Walk towards the student (if in a classroom setting) to let the student know that you are listening to what they have to say.
4. Acknowledge different points of view without telling a student that their opinion does not make sense.
5. Let other members of the class ask additional questions of the student.
Kim H.
Hi Tina,
Great way to capture the attention of the students and give them a chance to contribute to the class discussion. This I am sure generates a lot of discussion on the part of the students and keeps them engaged.
Gary
During the online discussions, I will ask the students to respond to the opinions of a classmate with their own opinion. There is no grade attached to this forum and the students get a chance to "vent". I think this is particularly important in a mathematics setting where most do not see the applications of the daily work. Then I make sure to respond to each and every opinion with a positive comment and an idea for them to think about. Students love to open up when they feel frustrated.
Students have a lot to bring to the classroom, both negative experiences as well as positive experiences. I teach a management course that I prefer discussion over lecture on all areas of the course. Although sometimes certain students try to tell stories about every situation. I do very much value the students opinions in all classes, however sometimes I can only show them empathy if it is something that I can not change. I teach keyboarding and they complain a lot and don't feel the speed requirements are fair, I let them know I understand their frustration, however that is the set amount and I do can not change it. (Actually I don't think it is too high but they do).
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for these good points. Instructors need to "own" the classroom and they can do that by moving around and focusing on different students. This really helps to keep the dynamics of the class working for effective learning.
Gary
I agree with you that non verbal clues are essential. I like to walk around in my classroom and if I ask a question I tend to walk up to the student. This shows that I am definitly paying attention to them. it also discourages the "I always have the answer" student from responding
Always reward correct and incorrect comments with praise. Point out why correct comments are correct and make a big deal out of the student coming to the correct conclusions. Reward a student for making incorrect comments by praising them for their participation and add some positive comments about their conclusions. You can always create a positive situation even when student responses are not correct.
I work in an online environment, so I don't have access to non-verbals. Any ideas on how to pick up on the un-spoken elements in this environment?
In an online environment, I think it is important to balance your responses to studnet posts with affirmation, questions, and constructive feedback. I also encourage students to respond to one another with questions and feedback. They have a lot they can learn from one another.
I think praising a student for offering a different perspective and using their critical thinking skills. Also giving quiet students an opportunity to participate through direct questions or in our case being online, requiring participation on a discussion board and providing scenarios that could generate a variety of perspectives.
I never belittle an opinion. A lot of times it takes courage to open up. I support their opinion and even try to reinforce it if I feel it is helpful to the learning situation.
One thing I like to do is to incorporate the students input directly into my lecture. This isn't always possible, but when you can do it the students know that you are listening and you do value what they are saying.
Hi Charles,
Be clear about your instructional style, expectations and desired outcomes helps the students to see how they can be successful in the course. This way they are ready to move forward in the course because they can see what they need to do to accomplish the course goals.
Gary
I have a new group of students every 3 weeks. I always try to explain my way of teaching up front. I tell the class that I am a hands on instructor. If they ask for help I will give them my undevided attention for that.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for both this example and this reminder. We, instructors need to remember to engage all of our students, not just the vocal ones.
Gary
