Hi Louise,
Good way to bring balance to your classroom discussion. This way you are doing learning checks while moving the class forward.
Gary
I ask students their opinion throughout the lecture. When a student provides an opinion, I then ask if others agree. We discuss the positives of the opinion. I then ask if anyone has a different perspective. We then will discuss the opposing opinion. If I do not agree with the opinion, I will usually say 'I never thought of it that way'.
Hi Robert,
Listening to students is critical so you can provide the support as needed. This effort will save time and effort in determining those needs and how to best deliver the course content.
Gary
It is important that students know that their opinions are valued in the classroom. I let all my students know that there are no "dumb" questions and that every student's opinion in valuable. I find that I do that through both verbal and nonverbal behavior. I ask for further clarification or how it relates to the course material and I listen fully with my body language and through appropriate eye contact.
Renee Bipes
Remain unautonomous. Listen to their opinions, and at least acknowledge them. It isn't necessary to agree or disagree, however it is perfectly fine to do either if the situation will accept it. There are times when exploring the ramifications of the student's opinion can be a learning experience for themselves and possibly other students as well. Example: when feasible, allow the student(s) to explore the outcome of what their opinion on a certain subject could lead to. They will then likely know the "whys" of the process, rather than simply hearing it from the instructor.
Students are very perceptive of our non-verbal and verbal cues we offer to their comments.
Hi Lauranine,
Right you are about being the leader of the class and bringing the students into the learning environment in a way that makes they feel valued and respected.
Gary
Ways to show students that you respect them is to have them interact with the lesson. Acknowledge their life experiences.
Letting students share their stories and opinions opens up discussion. The information they relay can be reflected upon and the key points that relate to the material can be discussed.
Treat other people as you wish to be treated. If a student has opinions, do not blow them off, listen and you may find value that you did not know was there. If you are in question of an opinion ask why, get some input on how that student developed that opinion and it may open ones eyes to wht the opinion is about.
During a discussion, I like to refer back to a point or comment made by a student and connect it to the next point. I'll often say something like, "I'm so glad you brought that up." Generally, even if a comment or question is not really related to the topic we're discussing, I can find a way to relate it. This helps the students know that every comment and question is valuable and furthers the discussion.
Students will both feel values and will value the concepts more when you have an open dialogue of topics under debate. Particularly if there is significant difference of opinion because when you can debate a topic as equals where both sides of the arguement can be heard and discussed, it will open their eyes to looking at various perspectives on problems.
Some ways would be:
listen carefully, open to receive it, be respectful and encouraging him/her to always share his/her opinions.
I think by asking students for their opinion, listening, and pointing out how the opinion relates to their program, you demonstrate that you value what they have to say. You can invite others to amplify or refute the opinion and demonstrate tolerance of each individuals point of view.
A few ways to make a student feel their opinions are valued are: Showing enthusiasm when listening to students responses, keeping eye contact with the student while they are talking, walking toward the person who is talking.
HI
I believe that taking a very concerted effort and listening intently to the student is one way to hear what the student has to say and value opinions objectively.
Janice
Hi Steve,
This is a great way to get student opinions and input while letting them know that they need to have some basis for their opinions. Often students will just give an answer they think you want to hear or will get you to move to someone else. This method has them thinking a bit about their response before giving it.
Gary
One of the ways is to ask questions pertaining to that opinion. "Can you tell me the basis of your opinion" and "can you help me understand it more clearly?" are ways I would show interest in them and their opinion.
1. Be open to the student suggestions
2. Ask for their input
I simply apply the things that make me feel valued.
I choose to have good eye contact with my students and exhibit appropriate non-verbal cues when they are talking.
I choose to always have a comment after they share their ideas. It may be very brief but it lets them know that i was listening. I allow time for anyone else in the classroom to express their thoughts on what was shared.
I try and use what the student shared at a later time, maybe in a future class time. Reminding everyone of what they student shared and apply with out text of the day.
I always thank the student for sharing, to encourage them to share again in the future.
