It is very important to inter act with students because they also bring experience and knowledge to the equation. Also, it gives them an opportunity to see you as person, whom they can reach out too for help and advise when needed. Students see the world different and we must interact with them to help form their vision of what they aspire to be...
I know each of my students names by at least the 3rd session. It usually takes me 2 classes to iron them out. Once I've learned their names they know I'm sincerely concerned about them as a student. I am then able to call on each of them when reviewing materials and returning papers is easier. I try to connect to each of them on a personal level outside of class and make sure I speak to them in the hallways and encourage them to share their experiences with the class. I find that if I sometimes discuss everyday topics they become alot more at ease and understand technology much easier.
You mentioned power point. I too, use it in my teaching. I love it. It gives so much more discussion then just using the textbook. If I display pictures of a subject, we discuss this. My classes are small and generally hands on as I teach and run a salon type clinic. So, I have to interact with students all the time as well as with clients. I want to know who my students are, what they are about, why they are in school, and what's in their future. It's important to me because I want them to be better then me when they get out into the real world. I want them to succeed in ways I may not have. To me that is interacting with students.
In order for your students to learn from you they have to trust you, trust that what you are giving them(information/concepts) is valid and will help the in some way. If you don't nteract with them, make eye contact, etc., they will never develop that trust. Without that trust your voice is like the adult voices in the old Peanuts tv specials: "WAWAWAWA" and really has no meaning to them. I make a effort to engage each student with eye contact and direct discussion during class. Get them all engaged and let them know you havesomething that is valuable to them.
I am relatively new to the teaching profession. However I found in the few classes I have had the opportunity to teach, interacting with students is a must. I have made it a practice to move around the room when i use power point in a lecture. It has seemed to provoke a more stimulated discussion than just standing infront of the room lecturing.
Each and every student brings a unique and creative perspective to the course.
It is important for everyone to have a voice
so they feel equally involved in the class
All students want to feel that they are a part of the "group" and that the instructor cares about them and their progress. If they feel shut out or that their questions are avoided, those feelings can cause them to not put forth their best effort to succeed in the class. When I first started teaching, I was very surprised to see the very first comments were about how "compassionate" I was, and how important it was that the student knew I cared about him or her.
Every student should feel that they are treated and respected equally. In order for a group to work, I think it's important to have smooth moving parts.
I believe that every student needs to be constantly reminded that they need to be proactive throughout their learning process.I interact with them to show the relation to the workplace and to keep them interested in the classroom. I think that if they know there is a possibility that I am going to call on them, they are more prepared before coming to class. Every student gets called on at least once during every class because I want them to know that they have a voice and it's important to me to hear. I can also guage if I need to make instructional adjustments.
Hi Francis,
Rapport building is important. As educators we should give great effort in getting to know our students. I small talk daily with every student in my classes. Students love to be paid attention to.
Patricia
Hi Annette,
We must let students know that we can about their success. One of my favorite quotes is "A student does not care how much you know, until they know how much you care."
Patricia
Because it helps eliminate the perception that they may not measure up. I believe that there are many reasons that a student may not be participating. Some of those students are never going to participate because they have no interest in it. However, for the rest of the quiet students, it is possible to get them involved. The first step to that is by trying to get to know them. This won't necassarily get them to participate in class, but it helps them to understand that they are just as important as the students that do.
Several years ago, I made a pact with myself to try to make verbal and eye contact with every student during the class/lab period. Given the increasing class sizes has made it a challenge, but I find that the students feel that a bond of sorts is created -plus it keeps me on my toes!
I get to know my students by interacting with them. They get to know me and how much I want them to be successfull. They will respect me and come to me with issues because they know I care.
Hi Thomas,
I make it a point to interact with each of my students on a daily basis. Students want to know that they matter.
Patricia
Hi Jerry,
How do you get to know your students mission?
Patricia
I have found that every student wants to be respected and liked. Having verbal interaction with the student shows that you are interested in them and makes them feel more comfortable.
Even the smallest contribution from a student to a discussion of a topic helps to build the confidence of the student. Recognizing that contribution, no matter how small, helps to also build trust in the student, their classmates and the instructor.
