I feel that from a teaching point of view, the more you interact with the students, the more you learn about the material, the students, yourself, and your teaching style. I have actually learned more as a teacher than I ever did in school as a student. I find that when I know a lot about a subject matter, a student who is just learning the material for the first time will always have a question that makes me apply the knowledge in a different way, which makes me teach myself something new as I go.
Hi Sherry,
Interacting with students is very important. We must remember to keep things strictly professional while interacting with students.
Patricia
It allows you to be in control but still lets the students know that you care about their educational experience.
Students cannot learn and teachers cannot teach without interaction. They have to come to know you at least to some degree to know that you have something to offer them. Unless you know your students, and know where they are coming from, you cannot effectively teach them. I make it a point to know their names, greet them individually when they come in, and always speak with them, calling them by name, whenever I see them outside of class.
I like the suggestion in the course materials of marking by their name in class for each interaction you have with them. It is certainly one way of making sure that you made contact with each student at some point in the course of the class time, and even to identify which students are not getting their "time."
Intereacting with your students is a great tool for getting to know them better. You learn their strengths and their weaknesses.Students like to feel like they are apart of your class and that what they have to say is important.
To me it makes them all feel very important and to be honest I want all my students to get interacting with me and other students regarding course requirements
As the teacher, you want to be able to say you taught THAT student, EVERY student in the class. If you don't interact with someone, it's not really teaching, its more like they are just listening to you and it becomes more one-way.
This is quite simple it makes everyone feel involved and mostimportantly it makes them feel relevant to everyone else...important
Building communications helps the studen feel comfort with you in relating any difficutlies or concerns they might have.
Students need to feel they are involved with the class and have a rapport with the instructor. Some of these students will not actively participate or reply to questions in a classroom setting, until forced to do so.
As an instructor it is your job to develop interaction with all students. The instructor has the responsibility to involve students in discussions, working groups and projects. By doing this every student participates with the rest of the class and it also allows the instructor to get immediate feedback on the way material is delivered.
Hi Mary,
Interaction with all students is a must. You are right on point. Every student needs to feel a sense of importance.
Patricia
Students need to know that they matter as individuals and as students
Interacting with students provides meaning, motivation, and validation for them. Students, as anyone, like to believe that they are not invisible to the world and that it means something to someone that they are present. I am more motivated to participate in something if I my presence is acknowledged or if it matters at all that I am there to contribute or participate. And, interaction with students provides validation on several levels such as, their membership in the class, their ability to function in the class, and their being on the right track in their participation with the class.
I avoid using the word "not"anymore, it subconsciously sends the wrong message to students
They become invested in the class if you are interacting with them - if you know their name. With my obnoxious students - who are normally my center-stage folks - I will redirect their energy into something constructive. I'll put them in charge of something or ask them a question using their area of expertise, and it usually calms them down and focuses them. Plus it puts attention on them in a positive way.
It shows that you care about your students and that you want them to learn the material not just so they can pass the class, but so they can use this knowledge in real world experiences.
Hi Patricia,
Every student in the class is important. Every student needs attention. If teachers take the time to get to know their students they reduce the chances of all kinds of problems in the future. I also encourage my students to know one another and to help one another.
Cheri Elkin
Hi Denise,
Make it a practice of yours to make small talk with every student at each class meeting. This is a great way to build rapport.
Patricia
Positive interaction with students helps in the nurturing process and learning environment of each individual student. To me, it simply shows importance-it demonstrates to that particular student I am part of this class and my opinions and thoughts have value and they do matter.
By getting to know your students through some planned interaction, you establish a rapport that may help in a variety of situations and settings. You may readjust your methodologies and procedures when you understand and "know" what makes your class "tick."
Each student's individual needs and styles can also become apparent during interactions. Knowing these individual "specialties' may help you avoid classroom management issues in the future.
