Feeling important
I think it is very important for a student to feel wanted in the program. Sometimes I see instructors being too critical which makes a student feel defensive and want to walk away. I understand that there are different age groups and maturities, but in what positive way or feedback can I give our instructors to not deter the students away?
the idea of feeling important is critical for students as well as instructors .....and beyond...everyone needs that paat on the back in responds to having done a good job
Student's sense of importance is as important as teaching. What I do is acknowledged their works. I give positive comment about their works (such as a project, attendance, attitude, etc) and at the same time call their attention when they deviate from the rules. In my experience, even if I call a student's attention, they feel that their instructor cares about them.
Ferdinand
The students are not expected to complete the cards at the end of every class. Usually I will used the index card method if class participation is low or a few days beffore a quiz or exam.
Shana, is every student expected to submit a question at the end of each class? If not, how do students feel about being identified as one who returned a card?
To help students feel safe in my class, every student has chance to ask any question related to the topic at the last 10 minutes of class. Frequently, I use index cards or large note pads. I give the student 3 minutes to write down their questions and 7 minutes for the other student to answer the question. The students do not put their names on the index card. This allows the quite students to have a voice in class.
Your point about gossip is an important one, Tammy. Gossip can have a very negative impact on staff and faculty perceptions about a student that are transferred to day-to-day interactions with the students ... and their peers. This can be very dangerous and injurious.
Sometimes, a simple smile will go a long way towards diffusing a stressful situation. When I am around people that appear to be enjoying themselves, I can relax and participate more freely. Limiting gossip about students by not engaging in inappropriate talk sends a message to co-workers and students that you respect the students and you can be trusted as a positive leader.
I think the more time you can give them will make them feel important. During conversations, give them your full attention.
olivia, I would prefer to say that every student should be treated justly; that the rules are enforced uniformly but they can be treated according to their needs. Some people respond very well to words of encouragement while others may not.
I feel as though every student should be treated the same. You want the students to feel like they are wanted at the school and are all being treated equally no matter the age/maturity difference. At the school I currently work at we all work as one to never deter a student away.
Sounds like great synergy, Jean. Shows how academic competencies relate to their everyday lives while developing useful interpersonal skills.
Creating a learning environment is a central part of classroom success. What techniques do you use to help students feel safe and comfortable in your class?
I feel that it is very important to make the students feel that they are a very imoportant part of my class. I try my best to make them feel safe and comfortable in class. I ffel that if the studentsa feel safe to ask questions, than the rest will come in time. it is so hard for many students to open up to a room full of new people and than turn around and ask for help in front of them. I try to remind my students that in my classroom we are all students. I learn from them and they lern from me.
This idea I have used in many courses that I teach. Have the student create a presentation that respects their current knowledge base and have them achieve the goals of a current module or topic. This allows the student to win friends in the classroom and successfully complete a goal.
Students making friends in the classroom via topic oriented presentations that appeal but contain new learning achieve the feeling important goal here.
Instructors can allow them to have fun as well as learn and complete course curriculum.
I find this especially successful in courses of the Gen Ed variety.
What do you think?
I truly believe that one of the most important ways of making people feel important and valued is to make eye contact and just listen to them - giving them feedback that let's them know that we are attentive and understanding of what they say.
Perhaps ask the students what they'd like to become involved in, once they've completed their first semester, and keep their work load up. Match them with a club, hobby,resource person, or part time job opportunity to groom the skill/interest they have.
I feel it is very important to keep the students at their best at all times. Or at least try to. This means listening to or looking over the projects they've accomplished from time to time. Being able to give constructive criticism is one of the greatest tools we have.
KIM, how do you determine the rate of assimilation? Do you have the luxury of customizing the time of day when material is presented?
aS INSTRUCTORS WE NEED TO TAKE ALL THAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND GIVE THE STUDENT A TRANSFUISON OF KNOWLEDGE AT THE SPEED OF WHICH CAN BE TAKEN IN AND WHEN IN THE TIME OF DAY IT IS MOST ACCEPTED.
