I address students by name, and try to provide frequent feedback. Also, I encourage students to talk outside of my office hours, and frequently have "impromptu" conversations. I also publish my cell phone, so students have an additional form of communication, and hopefully a connection with me.
Monica,
You're developing a more personal environment through the use of students' names. They will appreciate this in the end. Thanks!
Monica,
The more collaboration we can develop between students is great. It's also a good way to let them start to drive the communication while you facilitate. That gentle correction/guide is facilitation. Nice job.
Thanks!
I too address each student by name to individualize the student feedback. I incorporate both motivation and encouragement in the feedback to keep the students engaged. This method usually works because the students are more receptive to the feedback and will respond by indicating they really appreciated the time spent clarifying and providing the extra comments and tips to help them improve their overall academic success rates.
The discussion threads are a great way for collaboration between students and instructors to take place.
Each week the students are required to posts in the discussion threads as an open forum to discuss topics pertaining to the weekly objective. Even though I too am participating in the discussion threads I allow the students the opportunity to formulate their opinions and share factual information. I contribute to their learning by sharing my personal experiences and education by sharing supplemental teaching aids such as articles and websites to enhance their learning beyond the textbooks. Sometimes I have to gently correct or guide the students to remain on topic.
Michael,
I too love using current events to try and connect the content to the real world. I sparks communication among students too. Nice job.
I like to "prime the pump" by posting current event articles to the discussion board at the start of the week and then posting a comment that will tie the article to something we are learning in the class and ask students to provide their opinions, insights and experiences on the topic.
Saudat,
Definitely! We have to keep remembering that we have to tie the objectives to the rubric and make sure all students understand what they're working toward. And, addressing questions to all students does help reduce email overload. Thanks!
I think it is important to recognize the goals and objectives of the exercise or task assigned and set clear guidelines for those involved. In doing so, you are able to assist students by guiding them through steps that can foster collective learning outcomes without taking over the roles the students themselves should be assuming. Questions should be addressed within a group setting to avoid repetitive feedback. Incentivizing group effort, creating the appropriate probes that will engage students and encourage interchange of ideas, and providing tools or resources that promote working together and development of team approaches are all ways of creating an environment that facilitates collaboration without overburdening the instructor.
Katrina,
Yes, let's keep learning from each other and getting new resources. We can always use a tip from another instructor. Thanks1
Katrina,
I tell the students (in the syllabus and remind them on announcements periodically) what days I check email, grade, communicate, etc. along with the times (a.m. and/or p.m.).
Tomi,
When students know when they may expect to hear from you and how to contact you, this helps alleviate some stress on their part. Thanks!
Tomi,
Then you are serving as a great role model to students on professional communication. Keep up the good work.
Tomi,
The announcements are another part of the communication process and developing a pattern of communication. Keep it up!
Katrina,
I do this exact thing instead of having students email me everything. Students should help each other. Nice job.
Alan,
When we can predict where students may have some issues and be proactive in that area, we help students reduce misunderstandings and frustration. Thanks for the Team Viewer resource as well.
Alan and Stacy,
Whatever we can automate in the grading process or grade early, will save us time later. Your announcements I'm sure help your students as well. Thanks!
Alan,
The link providing more detail will help a lot of students. Thanks for sharing with us in this forum.
That makes sense Dave! I try to be direct but thorough in my response to student's questions. Often I will furnish a link to more detailed information.
That makes a lot of sense Stacy. If you grade early, then you have to answer emails as to when you will finish grading. If a bunch of students are likely to have the same issue with an assignment, I like to post an announcement with assignment hints, so I don't have to correct as many paper or I can refer the students to that announcement in my grading comments.
