Interaction is essential to humans. The more the teacher displays that each student is important the more likely the student is to succeed. Travis Hirschi noted in that utilizing the process of socialization and social learning builds self-control and reduces the possibility that a student would engage in behavior recognized as antisocial. Furthermore, interaction with each student sends the message that the teacher vaules each student as an important member of the class
I always think back when I was in class and how good it felt when the teacher noticed me. You want to pull the class together and one way to do it is to interact with them each one daily to encourage more open communication which leads to better learning.
Hi Maria,
As instructors, we are there to lead and guide the discussion. We should not be doing all the talking. Allow students to have active participation in the discussion.
Patricia
Interaction is really important with every single student in the class, its not only the intructor does the talking, sometimes we need to let them participate like ask each student if they input to the topic that was just discussed.
The interaction will show respect and the student will feel that he is taken into consideration. He/she will feel being part of the class and could help motivating the student and also constribute to his learning curve.
Interacting with all students is very important. The instructor doesn't want any student to feel left out or invisible. I communicate with all students and incorporate them into lecture time and I also provide time after class to talk with them. I keep them involved in lectures with role play and other group activity exercises and I try to make sure everyone is included and I always ask questions.
Hi Deborah,
Yes. Get to know your students, it is important so that you are able to better assist them.
Patricia
I think it is important to have interaction with every student because it lets them know that you care about them and are not just there to teach the course. You show them that you want to be involved in their educational lives and it keeps them coming back and wanting to learn.
Every student values their learning experience. They may also not feel the need to work to their fullest potential if it is not acknowledged/recognized. Each student is as important as the next.
Also, you cannot know how to facilitate the class/course if you do not know all of your students needs & learning types.
If you have learned something from the student about his or her situation or concerns, and, additionally, have shared something appropriate about yourself, then learning becomes more of a personal exchange between you and the student-- rather than a relatively impersonal process in which the student perceives little committment from you to his or her particular goals.
Hi Tim,
Students need to and want to know that we care about their succes. As educators, it is crucial to get to know your students. I make it a point daily to say something to each of my student. It makes students feel important when you give them some attention.
Patricia
I think that interaction with every student is “key†to the success of the student and class. I find that when I talk with a student I can find an interest that the student likes. I can now reach the student because I know what he or she likes and I can relate the course to it. It also lets the student relax. It shows that I can be approachable. With this approachability shy students can open up and ask questions.
I find it builds trust and promotes learning to interact with students. I like to talk to each student to find out what goals and related intrests they have. I think this shows you are interested in helping them to succeed.
Students need to know the instructor cares about them as individuals. If an instructor is not interacting with each student, they may feel as though they are not important and/or the instructor does not care about them or their learning.
Hi David,
Deficit in basic skills is a possible, but normally the shy folks are just quiet by nature. I've learned that group activities really bring shy students out of their shell. I've encountered some very sharp shy students.
Patricia
Dixie,
You raise an interesting point about a deficit in basic skills as being a reason for non-participation. The course talks about the student being shy and insecure. I guess the student's insecurity can come from lack of basic skills. The big question that results is the question of our response as teachers.
you must make each studetn feel welcome in the class and walking around and interacting with each does that well
From my personal experience, I believe the key to student success lies in building a positive, trusting relationship with each of my students. Even the most difficult or checked out student feels a sense of caring when I connect to them individually.
Hi Dawn,
I concur. We must give our mediocre students some attention as well. They want to have interaction with the instructor also. I make it a point to small talk with every student daily.
Patricia
Being in a hands on program the interaction with students comes naturally. I do however at times have to make sure to "see" all of the students and give equal interaction, rather than just focusing on the excellers and strugglers. I find it is often the average student that goes without.
