For some classes I give them a small topic (2-3 min) that they research ahead of time and present on, this makes them the expert on this part. I also ask their thoughts on different topics. Sometimes for labs I let the class pick which lab they want. Both the labs have the same objective but with different ways of learning. this gives them a choice and they seem to like that.
Hi Leslie,
Good approach to involving all of your students in the discussion and learning process. This way you have balance in your delivery and they in their learning.
Gary
Adult students have many different life experiences that can add to the learning experience of the whole class. We can show that we value our students' opinions by asking the class what they think about a particular subject. When a student shares an opinion we can possibly mention that the point that they are making is a valid one. I have, on many an occasion, stated, "I have never seen it from that perspective, I've just learned something new." If we do not value students' opinions, the class can become very dull to students because it is lecture driven with only the instructor's opinion. As a result, students might feel intimidated to voice their opinions or, even worse, not ask questions.
The non-verbal cues are very important. They have more of a response than the spoken words do. Body language is an entirely different form of communicating, especially in the learning environment.
One of the simple ways I show value for student opinions during the first class: involve them in setting ground rules or expectations for class order. For example, on participation points in the first class, I may ask how many minutes each participant should take during a class discussion, given that we want equal participation. We arrive at a consensus whether it is 1 minutes or 2 minutes, and quickly jump in to say that the quiz master is the exception to this rule!! :)
Apply their opinion in some manner back to your course content.
Hi David,
This helps the students to understand how the class is going to be conducted and they can then focus on learning as much as they can. Hands on learning reinforces cognitive content and well as increasing the retention of information.
Gary
Asking an open ended question that envokes an opinionated answer, then responding to their statement with a supportive response or another open ended question that responds to their statement to keep the conversation going. These tactics usually help to make the student feel more comfortable speaking in a group environment because they feel that you are open minded enough to hear their point of view or opinion.
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.
Telling the students that'Thats a good question", or statements like 'I'm glad you brought that up' Gives them a positive response which makes them feel like they are contributing to the class. If you are trying to get a certain point across,you can say'Here is what I think...now tell me what you think'. This also lets the students believe that what they have to contribute has value and is adding to the class.
Hi Ann,
This is a good point. We need to keep the students engaged in the discussion and help them to use facts and best practices in their problem solving even if it is different than the approach we use.
Gary
Hi Raymond,
When students feel like their opinions are valued they will contribute more frequently. In addition, your point about non-verbal communication is something that every instructor needs to be aware of and consider when teaching a class.
Gary
Ask them for an opinion on something relative to class topics, listen to what they have to say about it. Sometimes they will just offer an opinion, you should always hear them out. Try and expand on the opinion so they see their opinion matters. Ask others how they feel, if this is their opinion too, or if not let them voive something different.
We shouldn't tell them the opinion they have is wrong, it is an opinion, not a fact.
When a student presents their opinion on class matieral, instructor non verbal cues (eye contact, facial expression, and body language) can make a big influence in how the student feels after speaking. In the event that the student gives a brief, negative feedback, I try to rephrase the students statement to show a more professional way of stating their claim.
Hi Joseph,
Good way to be reactive to am emerging situation. The students brought to the class a series of discussion points that expanded the original lecture points and they got to make the connection between the classroom and the real world.
Gary
I've found that many students have life experience they bring to the table that is often of major value to a discussion. Sometimes, it even trumps my lessons. I was giving a lecture on what constitutes good logo design, and some students were quick to point to examples that ran counter to the points in the lecture. This brings up even more discussion, and the value of that input not only engages more students but raises the overall classroom experience.
Be respectful of a student's opinion, even if it disagrees with your own. I am always respectful to the students and that includes their opinions as well. I use it as area of improvement for myself and I really value the feedback. I believe that is true statement: “There is always some room for improvement” and we all can improve and continue to learn.
I find in schools such as ours, many students have field experience. On the first day of class I found out where they have worked, then during a lecture, I recall their experience and I ask them about an experience they had thay related to the lecture and ask their opinion. I let them know how important their real life opinon is.
Hi George,
Good suggestions for how to keep students engaged in the learning process and their attention focused on you. They need to know you are a student centered instructor and you do that by following the suggestions you listed.
Gary
Loook at them when they are talking to you. When in discussion walk towards them. Nod your head when you are talking to them. Make them feel like yyou are listening and care about what they are saying. Dont do other things while they are talking to you like typing on the computer or filing.
