Talking to students
Talking to student is a very important.
Open ended questions posed to the students will give instructors a better understanding of the student and can provide the opportunity to demonstrate fairness.
I find that sometimes my impressions of student's knowledge of a subject or even their feelings about the entire course may be inaccurate. Discussions with them helps to clarify and focus a strategy to better serve them and utilize their skills in a class discussion.
This is apart of the rapport process.
make them feel that you care about what they think and feel. Students need to know that you are interested in their personal success regardless of the baggage they bring with them to school. Their success in school also depend on your interest in them as a student and an individual. They need feed back on how they are performing and what they need to do to improve. I sit down daily with each of my students and talk with them about whatever they feel like discussing and let them know how it affects their ability to learn and retain information in the classroom. They appreciate my interest and it encourages them to stay focused on why they are in school.
communication with your students is very important, they must feel safe with you.
Open communication is critical to mutual respect and development
I try to talk to each student radomly throughout the course to make sure they are doing ok in the class. I know that some students are afraid to speak up in class mainly because they are shy or they are thinking someone in the class is going to think they what they are asking is "dumb".
I always tell my students that no question is a "dumb" question in my classroom!
Talking to each student makes them realize that you do care about their success and I think it makes them feel better about the class they are in.
Hi Kou,
Good strategy. This individual approach will help with the development of rapport with students. This will help them feel accepted and respected for what they can contribute to the course.
Gary
Kou,
You and I have a similar approach. I speak with as many of my students as I can each time I am with them. I try to stay quite positive and fun in all my interactions with them to build up a good rapport and give them a comfortable feeling with me. This way if they have a "dumb" question, they know that I am there and will not judge or criticize them when they ask. It seems to work quite effectively.
I do like to know each student individually. Everyone has a special talent, an unique story and dream that nobody else has. It really helps me to personalize instruction to each student. They respect me for knowing what they are dreaming of.
Wow, how true is this! I had a very bright, highly motivated student in class with whom I did not feel like I was making a connection. He came into the lab one day and I just started visiting with him one on one. He opened up and told me how he had lived in his truck for the past year and a half (it seemed by choice) and of the experiences he had. The classroom environment never would have allowed him to speak this freely. Since that time, I find he comes into the lab often, and we have developed a good rapport. I am amazed at how focused and risk taking this young man is.
The point being, you sometimes have to find other avenues to connect with your students, other than the classroom.
Hi Judy,
Thank you for sharing this story. This is what being a good listener and caring instructor is all about. You made the connection on an individual basis which has led to his success in your class.
Gary
I enjoy talking to my students as many have become good friends. There has to be an equal amount of respect in the class room. I do my best to treat everyone equally and let everyone have their say within discussion topics.
