Student Participation
I have a difficult time with students who just show up everyday. They do little to no work while they in class and nothing outside the classroom. They have the "C" is passing mentality. I was never that student. At times, it's hard for me relate to these students. I feel I care more for their success than they do.
I have found that calling on students directly during classroom discussions will put the student "on the spot" to increase participation levels during discussions of the subject matter during class. Most students will fear that they will be called on by the Instructor and will most likely pay attention and be ready to participate.
Billie, Interesting point and I have had similar results. This method also encourages students to tune in the entire time because they never know when they will be called upon! While I believe this teaching style is a bit more stressful than the norm, it definitely keeps students on track.
Dr. Melissa Read
I agree with with you. We have to include all the students in classroom discussions. It will also help if we do some pacing in the classroom so the students seated in the back will know that you might also call on them for participation.
Class participation is included in the grading structure of my school and on day one of each class, the students are reminded that participation can only help their grades. I try to reiterate that if the student has raised their hand in class and at least attempted the answer a question or ask about something, it does reflect in their grade. But I see that the more outgoing students (or more confident ones) seem to assert themselves more in class while the quiet students shy away from the interaction. I try to pull all of the students into topic discussion to give them a better experience in class as well as add points to their grades by asking them questions and their opinions on the subject matter.
I see this from time to time where the student does not care. It becomes difficult when you talk with the student and they listen but don't put it into action.
Keith, So true. We can't help people who don't want to help themselves. Doing so can be very frustrating. Providing the right kinds of encouragement is great. At the end of the day though, sometimes we have to take a step back and focus on the students who want and genuinely value our help.
Dr. Melissa Read
It's hard to relate when you were not that type of learner yourself but, we as instructors must always treat all students equal and still do our best to get through to each and every one of them. It is part of our duty to motivate them even when they aren't motivated themselves.
Henry, So true. Most instructors were top performers when we were students. So it can be especially difficult for us to relate to students who lack motivation and interest in completing assignments with highest marks. That being said, we must reach out to them and motivate them to be better learners.
Dr. Melissa Read
That is a great time to sit down with the student and get to know them better. You have to find out what motivates them. Some students,as well as co workers can get by just doing the minimum. We must instill in them the importance of success, and going above and beyond to reach their goals.
Rebecca, So true. I think your comment about learning more about what motivates each person is critical. Everyone is wired slightly differently. They have different motivations and interests. If we can learn more about what drives each student, we can help push them in the right direction with good momentum too.
Dr. Melissa Read
since I have to work with all types of students ,those who work or have been out of the classroom for a long time ,or those with but attitud ,I try to improve their participation by given them before starting the new lecture diagrams or tables from the previous class to label in a specific period of time and then I ask them to exchange the material with their class mates and to share any better they have to memorize such material with their class mates ,I repeat that with every diagram or difficult material I teach them and I notice that by the third time they know that material by heart most of the time and those with worse attitude know the material at least 80% of it
It makes our job difficult when a student does not want to put in their part. As an instructor it is our job to do our best in all we do to try and get them to pass reguardless of the situation. Some students may come in and be slower learners than others, but we do have to do what we are here for and help them understand the importance of their part.
Hi Rebecca,
I agree with you in regards to instilling the importance of success to our students. I explain to my Medical Assistant students that they are competing against one another out in the field. If I was the office manager hiring a MA, I would ask them about their grades and attendance. If one says their grades were average and the other one says they were stellar-I would go with the one with good grades. I want a MA working for me that strives for excellence-even if they do not necessarily achieve perfect grades-its the drive I am looking for.
Juan, I know exactly where you are coming from. The phrase "help me help you" comes to mind. Some students are motivated to succeed and we only have to give them a small push to get them going in the right direction. Others need much more. It's important to push them. At the same time, they've got to bring motivation to succeed. We cannot do that for them.
Dr. Melissa Read
