Discussion / Interaction in small classes
What are some tips in getting a small class to interact and discuss design topics?
I have found that the dynamics of the classroom changes and I have had classes were the students do not want to discuss topics or interact with each other. This seems to be a problem when there are not enough students in the classroom.
Janet, are you able to bring in guest speakers? Using guest speakers that are hiring managers for different organizations could be very enlightening to many of your students. Knowing what companies are looking for in the way of skills by new employees can be a very motivating factor for many of your younger students.
James Jackson
This is my 20th year as an oral communication instructor. Student interaction and discussions are getting more challenging each year. In my opinion, too much emphasis on technology and not enough emphasis on soft skills in school and at home is a contributing factor to this challenge. My classes are "blended" and range in ages from 15 to 65+. The adult learners (those over 25) are much more comfortable interacting in class and participating in class discussions than the 15 - 25 years old. One 18 year old student, during a class discussion, openly told the class that we do not need to develop interpersonal communication skills, because we now have technology, which eliminates the need for interpersonal communication. Unfortunately, I believe, this is the belief of many of the traditional aged students, many of whom are experts in texting and e-mail, but cannot effective communicate or develop interpersonal relationships with others.
I use group projects, humor, and various interacive activities to "draw" the students out and eventually I am successful in reaching them. It is interesting to note that the young man who told me we did not need to learn interpersonal communication any more asked me, after my last class with him, what he needed to do to improve his communication skills. I apparently got through to him during the semester!
Theodore, great technique and also prepares students to work as part of a larger team which takes place often in accounting.
James Jackson
I teach accounting and accounting is suited for classroom interaction. I assign reading assignments and accounting problems that pertain to the readings. During class I’ll go over the problems. I will call on one student to do the first part of the problem and then I’ll ask another student to continue with another part. I’ll then ask a third student to finish the problem. It only takes a few minutes for the students to know what to expect. I find this approach very beneficial to the student’s development.
I agree that it can be an extra challenge getting smaller classes to open up a bit. Perhapse because it is more difficult to get "lost in the crowd" after offering a comment they may be less than proud of. When I run into this scenario I take some time to play a silly game, tell a corny joke or perform some other light hearted class activity in an effort to lighten the mood and just set everyone at ease. I find this often lets students know that it is ok if they have an opinion that differs from the group or a unique stance on a discussion topic.
