Dr. Meers,
One strategy that I like to use involves randomly assigning students to groups;just as one other blogger had mentioned.
In our field of Physical Therapy often times an assistant will need to work with more than one therapist at a given time, and each may have a completely different personality!
By getting students to work together with all different types of individuals in class, I believe this helps them to relate to all the members of the group better, rather than a self selected few.
The second stategy I like to use involves the use of prior class accomplishments to supplement the current lecture. For example, If the students did well on a previous mock practical, and the subject we are discussing involves problem solving, I will remind them of how they as a group came to their conclusions, and hightlight the contributions of each individual team member as applicable.
Strategies for making students feel part of the class would involve students sharing their experiences and connecting that life experience with the subject at hand.
Hi Tate,
I like the way you are integrating the students into different groups and learning opportunities. This is what the students need to experience as it helps them to be able to work with diverse co-workers later on.
Gary
To make a student feel like a part of the class, I like all of them to introduce themselves to the entire class at the first meeting. Then throughout the entire class, I like to place them in random groups so they can become more familiar with their classmates and gives them an opportunity to network and bond. I like to listen to each of their questions and instead of giving them the answer to a difficult problem, I assign the question as part of a homework assignment for each student to research and gain further information.
Hi Jeff,
Good strategies for trying to overcome isolation with online learners. It is easy for them to feel and become isolated. Your approach helps to keep them engaged and involved throughout the course. Thanks for sharing with us.
Gary
I too teach online and many students seem to feel isolated. I try to foster open communicatiuon with discussion groups and prompt email response to combat the feelings of isolation. I also encourage them to use the many and varied sources of assistance on the internet.
This is difficult for me, as I teach at two different online universities. Due to the differences in the online environments, different strategies are needed for each environmenbt. I never see the student.
In one environment I use a lot of team projects. But team projects are difficult and questionable for math. Some classes are conducive to team projects, but most aren't.
In both cases, I encourge students to ask me questions often and I also encourage the students to ask and answer questions of each other. By fostering an environment of free and open communication, students fell part of a class despite everyone being remote.
Hi Rachel,
Good way to start a class. When students can see application and relevancy they become engaged at a much higher rate.
Gary
I always make sure to start each lesson plan with "relevance." Knowing that what we are learning in the classroom will help them on the job is very motivating for students!
Hi Mary Jane,
I like the way you are providing a consulting format to your students. You are there as a resource while they are working through their assignments. Your presence is really valuable because they know they can get help if they need it. This makes for a very supportive learning environment.
Gary
Hi Joseph,
This is so true and so important for instructors to encourage. Students need to feel accepted and supported. If they do they will be more engaged and comfortable in the course which is going to increase the retention rate.
Gary
Hi Richard,
In both formats you are helping the students to get settled into the courses and while introducing themselves to their fellow students. This is a comfortable way to set the stage for successful learning.
Gary
All students should feel a part of the class and be encourage to participate in class discussion. I stand at the door and speak to each student as they enter the room. This tells me what type of mood or what type of day they are having. In Microsoft Office, I sit at the computer and work the tutorials while the students are working at their computers. I am constantly asking are there any questions. If there is a question I back up and work the problem again and if there still is a question I go and help the student or students.In Accounting Class I give each student a red, yellow, and green cup where they are told to stack the cups red, yellow and green when they are working independently on problems. The students are asked to put the red cup on top if they have a question, then I go and help them. When I am working the accounting problem either on the white board or using Excel, the students are greatly encouraged to ask questions about how the problem is being calculated.
The student that feels like part of the class will gain more from the lessons taught in the call because they feel that they are an important part of the process. I find that having them form study groups early on creates a strong support group for the student. Also acknowledging the student every class meeting allows them to realize that they are not just another face in the crowed.
For onground courses, I always have students begin by introducing themselves. I follow this with several questions, unique to each learner's initial comments. While this takes up some time, it is well worth the investment in establishing rapport. In the online environment, I simulate this by replying individually to each "brief bio" post that I have class members complete.
Richard
I encourage questions and answers from the students as well as working together in lab all in an effort to have them direct their education. I feel that makes part of the class.
Karaen that is a very good idea i'm going to try this but some times i only have 3 students but it should work. thanks
Judy
I agree with Bruce and try to have my students exchange emails and phone numbers the first day or night of class along wit my information.
Judy
During the first few minutes of class while students are getting settled, especially on Monday mornings, I ask individuals about projects that they have worked on which relate to course material. People love talking about their own interests and experience, and the other students seem more engaged by first hand experience than by theoreticals.
John Stuckey
Dr. Meers,
in my opinion, throwing questions that help students to express their knowledge, or allowing students to share their related experiences to the topic, taking turn in reading or answering a quiz, or engaging the silent students in group activities that give opportunities for them to share; these are all ways to make my students feel involved in the learning process.
