Get Your Students Hired
Have you ever had a Jabber, Integer or Loner in a class you taught? If so, describe one. What teaching strategies did you use with that person that was successful?
Wayne, this also invites students who have not yet read the chapter to do it, based on the advice of a peer. That is a win win in learning.
Michele Deck
Tammy, debate cause critical thinking, which is an essential skill for success in the job market. Good for you!
Michele Deck
I have an Integer student in my class and I tend to engage him in theoretical discussions to keep him engaged. When engaging in these discussions I then ask other students if they agree or disagree with his statement. This then creates a lively debate. He is typically in the middle of the debate, too.
In 10 years of teaching anatomy & physiology to allied health students I have had many Jabbers and Loners. I provide my students with a study guide that follows the lecture. On the first day of class I explain to the students that nothing will appear on the test that is not on the study guide and that the most they need to do is highlight during the lecture. However inevitably during the first lecture, I will see a Jabber taking notes. I stop the lecture briefly to remind the student that it is not necessary to take notes. If the response I get is something like "I like or need to take notes", then I am confident that the student understands that they don't have to and I simply allow the student the freedom to learn in their own way. Additionally, once I fully realize a Jabber, who I know reads the chapter, I will ask them about something in the chapter reading of interest and have brief discussion. This often leads to the student telling of something of interesting they learned before I ask them.
Christina-Rose, his style really benefitted all in class. I'm so glad you recognized and played to his strengths.
Michele Deck
I've had a Jabber in class. A verbal guy in every sense of the word. I gave him extra reading assignments that he would research and bring the information back to class the following day. He loved doing the research and also loved sharing what he found with the rest of the class.
Kitt, providing multiple ways to review should be a part of all instructor's teaching plans.
Michele Deck
When teaching loner students I find that giving additional review topics from class subjects is helpful.
Also, if textbook publisher exercises are available they are useful as well.
Jennifer, thank you for recognizing this student's individuality and learning needs. A great teacher like you finds ways to teach that work. Thanks for sharing you experience.
Michele Deck
One student who comes to mind was much like Loner. She was very self-sufficient and did not like for me to "hover" as she worked on her assignments. She would also seem very nervous whenever there was a group activity and rarely found a group where she felt comfortable participating. My method going forward with her was to meet with her weekly to review any of the assignments she had questions about. She was a great note-taker and would always have a list of questions as part of her notes. Eventually, she did not wait for the weekly check in, and would simply look for me during a quieter part of class to get one-on-one help with assignments.
Pamela, thank you for recognizing what would work with this student, and your willingness to work within his/her strengths.
Michele Deck
I have had the Integer in my class previously, and to challenge them I gave them random teacher resource assignments utilizing "critical thinking skills". The student worked on the assignment then returned to me and we discussed how he did and areas to improve on for future assignments. This student really enjoyed the challenge and was really good at thinking outside the box.
Jacqueline, I find they strive to learn alone, but interacting and filling in a handout helps to involve them.
Michele Deck
I have had at least one of each of the types you describe. I have been teaching for many years now. I find the Loner the hardest to get to. If I give handout that need to be completed it brings this student into the group somewhat.
Melissa, you are a wonderful teacher to recognize her style and work with her through it.
Michele Deck
I've had all three types in my class. For the Loner, I have her find resources, especially electronic ones, and then she emails me so that I can share them with the rest of the class. She loves finding information on her own. She also wants me to meet with her one-on-one to discuss problems with concepts, rather than meeting with her in a small group. I respect her privacy and appreciate her willingness to research.
Patricia, thank you for sharing the successful strategy you use with your Jabber. We all appreciate the sharing of great ideas!
Michele Deck
I have had several students who were Jabbers and have one this term. They at times tend to monopolize the class discussion time or branch into information that is not relevant at that time. I find that if I ask them to hold that thought and bring it back to discussion at the appropriate time they are accepting of being asked to wait. I them make a mental note to myself to let them know when the topic is right for discussion.
Ciara, sometimes loners are hard to read. Sometimes getting to know them as individuals helps to get them to open us, as you have said.
Michele Deck