I believe that you need to actively listen to the student first. Some people don't listen they wait for their turn to speak. After you have listened to what they have said, make your statement as to if you agree or disagree and give your reasons why. Acknowledge if they have enlightened you to something you may not have know in the past and thank them. I have come to realize that all student love it when they can teach their teach something. Even if it is minor in relation to the subject of discussion.
Hi Amanda,
This approach takes learning and application to another level and I think it is important that students have skills to be able to form opinions and support those opinions with facts and experience. You are helping them to develop valuable skills needed when they are in the work world.
Gary
Maintain eye contact with the student and take steps towards him or her.
I think asking students directly more about their opinions can get them talking. Asking them things like, "How did you come to that conclusion?" or "Why do think that?" It's one thing to state an opinion, but the real discussion and learning experience comes when students have to talk about where their opinion came from or how they formed it. I always like to hear my students' perspective on things, because they most often see things from a different angle than I do. I find it enlightening and helpful to see others' points of view. I try to let my students know that about me right away.
I think that when you listen to what a student has to say and can use their suggestions that will pertain to the classroom work, then they will know that you are open to new ideas and that their opinions will matter and that will let them see how much they are involved in the class.
Respect a differing opinion and even see if you can glean an understanding from that point of view.
A few ways to make students feel their opinions are valued are to respect student's opinions, refer back to what a student said and relate to a class discussion, or ask students their opinions or thoughts.
Hi Jeannine,
This is a good way to keep students engaged and continuing to ask questions and contribute to the course without derailing the discussion. Your approach is kind but directive in terms of letting them know they have your respect and you will listen but as you say it is their opinion. This strategy is sometimes difficult for new instructors to grasp and refine so the more we can share these kinds of strategies with them the better informed they will be about how to use it.
Thanks.
Gary
After a student gives his/her opinion I try to start off my response with, "That's a good point, or thank you for your opinion." I try to use a statement that will let the student know their opinion means something, but at the same time let them know an opinion is simply that and not fact.
First I have found that I must truley listen and understand what their opinion is based on. A few students have some work expierence and their opinion is how they have learned to solve a problem. While others have read the lession matterial and that is what their expierence is based on. I hope I never turn-off either student by not justifiying their opinion. I do not have to aggree with their opinions but I do have to validate what is correct and incorrect, and turn it into a positive learning expierience for all of the class. Sometimes one-on-one to make sure that the student understands that their opinions are valued helps to correct any misunderstanding.
I have found that by asking students what they think will make them feel like they are part of the class and this will also help to keep them engaged in the class.
Hi Timothy,
All of your forum comments revolve around how you can be an effective and efficient instructor while providing support to your students. Your customization of instruction is to be commended. Keep up your efforts as I know your students are appreciative of your efforts.
Gary
In my job the great plurality of students are mature learners who enter into the classroom with years of practical experiences that, when included within classroom discussions, add a rich tapistry of humor, pathos, and lessons into any topic. I am an educator, but my students know (because I often tell them) that I am a lifelong student and learner, and each of them can be instructors to me as well. I try not to take accessive pride in my position but rather to carefully keep my self-esteem separate from my knowledge bank. I am often wrong and readily admit it. I challenge my students and try to equip them with research methods that allow them to back up their contentions with empirical data where available. I want active, inquisitive, engaged learners who are not afraid to ask me to prove my contentions as well.
I feel the student opinions are valued when I hear stories from my students concerning similar lecture points that I just mention in the lecture. The student feels enpowered since they now know that they are not the only one, and that they develop more understanding concerning what we discuss during the lecture. I tend to advice them that I am here to help them in order find out more information about whatever concerns they might have during the lecture, and that my door is always open.
I agree very much with what you said about being a good listener. Sometimes I think as Instructors we need to improve on that quality the most. Truly hearing students will make as more effective and help with teaching them as well.
Some of the ways in which I get students to feel that their opinions are valued is encourage them to share them with me and the class. I teach Criminal Justice classes and I always tell my students that they are the future leaders in our field so it is important that they share their thoughts and experiences. When students are able to use their opinions and see that they matter now and will matter even more in the future on a subject; I find it really helps them improve their ability to think critically about topics we are covering in the course.
first of all we should listen to there questions, concerns and comments.
Treat them with respect and not in inferior manners.
Recognize and reward them as needed.
I will try to put in practice there opinions and ideas to prove them right or wrong!!!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for sharing this method of getting feedback from students. This is a great idea for keeping an ongoing finger on the pulse of the class.
Gary
encourage interactive learning in the classroom & require students to form teams & share collaborative knowledge.
One strategy I learned while obtaining my masters degree was to use a Plus/Delta at the end of every class. Give each student a sticky-note and have them write down what they enjoyed about class and what they would change about class.
When the students are done, they may place the sticky-note on the board and leave. This is a great way for students to express their opinion about class anonymously. Many times there are great suggestions to improve class and help students learn. Plus, the students feel like their input and opinions are valued.
