Taking the time to listen to students ideas, feedback and opinions is the first step, show your interest. Responding is the next step, react to their opinions let them know that you not only heard what they said but that you will process their information and think about what was said. Third react or implement responses. Show that you did process their information and you have done something with it.
When a student has a question or if they are responding to mine or a classmates question, non-verbal cues are very important. Things like eye contact, nodding in agreement, smiling, and asking the student to elaborate on a particular point, are all important things that can make a student feel that his/her opinion is valued. It is always good to verbally acknowledge the student for posing a very good (interesting, thoughtful, etc.) question, and than thinking them for sharing it.
I really like Kenneth's answers as well.
The most common way that I valuate student opinions is to agree with their comment, (I agree, great response) and add further examples to show the relevance of what was spoken (yes, and we see this demonstrated...)
Use those expressed opinions as ways to open up discussions when possible.
Hi Tony,
Good point about creative thinking by students. It is from this type of thinking that solutions to problems come that normally would have taken much longer to arrive at.
Gary
Be open to the student and what he is thinking, even if what they are say6ing is totally different ot what you think. Discuss concepts and the importance of seeing multiple solutions rather than one solution. Let the student's desire to be different from previous generations before in the way they dress, their hair, their music, their technological knowledge be expressed and is ok. Being different and thinking outside the box opens a whole new world of possibilities to solutions that other people have not thought of. There is always more than one way to solve any problem.
I use constant feedback - both verbally and non-verbally to see what they think and feel. Accessing student interests and finding out what they want to achieve on a daily basis enables me to get a grip on what direction we should take the class - meanwhile keeping to the goals and objectives to the class.
I completely agree with the ideas presented in the instructional material here. I always want them to know I am listening and considering their views. Also, when things go off topic, I ease them back so that the rest of the class can also feel I respect their time.
I always pay obvious, physical attention to a student as they are expressing their opinion. I find that eye contact is particularly helpful.
I think the best way for a student to feel value is by encouraging them to give feedback and share thier experiences. By showing that you are willing to take the time to listen to students you are contributing to the feelings of belonging and respect which adds to a positive learning environment.
Hi Olga,
You are doing a great job of blending both individual and group work together. This way each student and see how he/she can use their strengths to increase their learning opportunities.
Gary
1. I give some problems to my students to solve and then we discuss their answers. It encourage them to work individually.
2. I have some worksheets for students to work in groups. Adult students like to share their experience and express their opinions.
Hi Olga,
What are some strategies that you use to encourage all of your students to become engaged in the discussion process?
Gary
I do hold a class discussion on some concepts. I try to get my students to put a voice to their opinions in an open discussion in class, encourage them to discuss different problems instead of giving them the answer.
Hi Cornelius,
This is why I like the quote "The beginning of understanding begins with the willingness to listen." You made a very good point about this.
Gary
Be willing to agree to disagree and logically explain why. Students have a right to their opinions just as instructors have the right to their opinions. Instructors should encourage "thinking out of the box" because new knowledge is created. I have learned new ways of sharing knowledge by listening to student ideas, which has made me more effective as an instructor.
After receiving an opinion from a class, integrate that material into lecture by developing a case study for everyone to participate in, a class discussion, or a visual examination. This will further explore the topic and encourage others to participate.
Kenneth has certainly done a comprehensive list, much of which I agree with.
For me it is part of the rapport we establish with our students is to have a safe place to speak your opinion. Listen to the student opinion. Reinforce you have heard it properly by restating it. Use it where possible in lecture and/or demonstration to come back to the student's opinion.
In those instances where it is not opinion but fact and the fact is in error, be respectful and careful in redirecting the student to either more information wherein he/she can correct himself/herself or illustrate some of the missing material in the student's assessment and see if they can correct their own thought process.
Yes, that is so correct. Diversity enriches any organization with different cultural heritage, ethnic back grounds, and different languages. Diversity makes an organization colorful in every angle. Anwar
I agree, especially with all the diversity we deal with. We can learn so much from others, if we just take a moment to listen.
