Effective Ways of Engagement
What methods have you found effective when engaging with your students?
Aside from humor, I like to occasionally digress in my biology classes to talk about things that are biology related, though not neccessarily related to the subject at hand. Students often feel more relaxed and have a better sense of companionship with their classmates and you when they talk about things like pets or unusually species sightings.
I establish a rapport with my students through mutual respect and professionalism along with being available at all times to answer questions or assist a student with difficulties they may be encountering. This motivates students to be active in the classroom. Motivation techniques are also a strong factor for instructors to utilize in order to contribute to a high success rate of their students. I focus on positive motivation techniques which help remind the students of the big picture and what they are working so hard for and provide the assistance they need to prevail over any obstacles. I create a team learning environment for the students to strengthen their own learning as well as me strengthening my knowledge through learning from my students.
Hi Michele, Yes I thought that our discussion questions were exciting to participate and some of the assignments were challenging for me as I am not that great with navigating around the computer. But I am getting better.
Using different techniques is also a way to reach other students. As you probably know Andri, not all techniques are perfect for all students, but by using a variety, teachers will be able to reach all the students. Thanks for your comments!
Are there any activites that you particularly enjoyed when you were an online learner Patricia?
Different techniques enhance the learning experience. As a lifelong learner I still keep in contact with some of my old classmates. The key is to keep the students engaged while they are learning.
Hi, I as an online learner myself would probably like to have many participation forums as posible, along with other activities.
Two ways to further engage students are:
1. Based on the pre-readings and topics designate a student to lead the discussion.
2. Require students to respond to each other's postings as well as have them post a discussion question related to the assigned readings
That is an interesting tip! Thanks so much Jo Ann.
I try to post questions in the discussion that all students can respond to. I always post my discussions in a specific color and invite my students to do the same. It creates a sense of connection...the students know how to find my posts and they start to recognize each other's as well.
Those are great suggestions Steven. I especially like having students present during your live sessions. That is always a great way to confirm that the student has the knowledge.
I use many of the same techniques you described above. Once I reach out individually to students, they seem more engaged and willing to contact me when they have questions or concerns.
There are many ways to engage online students, many of which you will find in the postings that have already been submitted. A few of my favorite ideas:
1. Instructor/Student biographies at the start of the class is a great way for students to get to know each other as well as get to know the instructor. This makes students a little more comfortable with the class and possibly more willing to contribute.
2. Asking questions of students in the discussion forum is a great way to engage the learner.
3. Although I don't personally do this, some online teachers have commented in this class that live chats help students feel more in touch with the class.
4. Sending emails periodically to students, especially those that you know are struggling, to get them more involved in class. I have also found the occasional phone call to be extremely helpful as well.
Those are just a few of the suggestions I have for you. What suggestions do other people have for LaKeya?
In use Q and A in my live presentations(I build the PowerPoint slides without the answers, have them give the answers in the Live Chat box then click to reveal the right answers).
I've found phone calls to the student to be most effective and use individual e-mails when needed.
With permission, I've shared exemplary student work samples that "set a high bar" for student work quality.
Now I'm trying to "push the envelope" and having students do tasks in my live sessions. At my direction, I give a student control of my presentation, then have them complete a preset task. I hope to add sound effects (applause, etc.) and other recognition tricks for entertainment value.
What works for you?
