Encouraging Every Student To Participate
Giving Reluctant Students a Voice
By Reynold Redekopp and Elizabeth Bourbonniere
It goes without saying that all classrooms will vary from one another (e.g. different student learning styles, teacher teaching styles, personalities, subject matter, age, etc.). Although no two classes are alike, students' level of participation remains almost unvaried from classroom to classroom. There will almost always be students reluctant or willing to participate in group discussions. And, of course, there are other students whose participation level fall in between (those who participate because they have to and those who avoid participating completely). The students' level in participation are organized into four categories: (level one) often, (level two) occasionally, (level three) seldom, (level four) not at all. In order to level out these disparities in classroom participation, teacher blog or online discussion board can be used to give students an opportunity to have their voices heard. These modes in communication will allow students to express their questions, concerns, and ideas with their classmates and teacher. More importantly, online communication helps teachers provide undivided attention and care for their students.
In college, the discussion board is a common technological tool used in the classroom (online and in-person courses). During my early college years, communicating through discussion boards was something I loathed because I hated sitting in front of the computer and reading off the computer. Now that technology has become a staple in my life inside and outside of school, I no longer despise discussion boards and can see the benefits from its use. College students lives are busy and, due to time constraints, we are not able to make the connections in the classroom like we did in middle school and high school. The discussion boards allows us to get to know each other and share opinions without the fear of rejection or harsh opposition. In other words, it is easier to candidly express our opinions when we are "hiding" behind the computer.
In my classroom, I would utilize the discussion board because it is helpful to those who are afraid of or find difficultly in engaging in person-person group discussion. However, I would not want my students to solely rely on this tool. The classroom is not just a place for textbook learning, it is also a place where students develop social and communication skills. It is important that they learn how to effectively relate to one another, this simply cannot be done if group discussions were done only online. Additionally, taking away the face-to-face group discussion will only cater to those unwilling or unable to speak in the classroom and silences (literally) the voices that want to be heard. When group discussions are done in-person I would separate the students into small groups (4-5, depending on the size of the class). The small groups will work as a team to participate in the discussion. They can all agree to a question or comment they would like to share with the rest of the class and delegate one person to voice the group's thoughts. Other times, I will have the students arrange their desks to form a circle. This will give the group discussion a more intimate, informal feel. Students, from all participation levels, will take notes during the discussion and turn them as proof they were paying attention.
By Reynold Redekopp and Elizabeth Bourbonniere
It goes without saying that all classrooms will vary from one another (e.g. different student learning styles, teacher teaching styles, personalities, subject matter, age, etc.). Although no two classes are alike, students' level of participation remains almost unvaried from classroom to classroom. There will almost always be students reluctant or willing to participate in group discussions. And, of course, there are other students whose participation level fall in between (those who participate because they have to and those who avoid participating completely). The students' level in participation are organized into four categories: (level one) often, (level two) occasionally, (level three) seldom, (level four) not at all. In order to level out these disparities in classroom participation, teacher blog or online discussion board can be used to give students an opportunity to have their voices heard. These modes in communication will allow students to express their questions, concerns, and ideas with their classmates and teacher. More importantly, online communication helps teachers provide undivided attention and care for their students.
In college, the discussion board is a common technological tool used in the classroom (online and in-person courses). During my early college years, communicating through discussion boards was something I loathed because I hated sitting in front of the computer and reading off the computer. Now that technology has become a staple in my life inside and outside of school, I no longer despise discussion boards and can see the benefits from its use. College students lives are busy and, due to time constraints, we are not able to make the connections in the classroom like we did in middle school and high school. The discussion boards allows us to get to know each other and share opinions without the fear of rejection or harsh opposition. In other words, it is easier to candidly express our opinions when we are "hiding" behind the computer.
In my classroom, I would utilize the discussion board because it is helpful to those who are afraid of or find difficultly in engaging in person-person group discussion. However, I would not want my students to solely rely on this tool. The classroom is not just a place for textbook learning, it is also a place where students develop social and communication skills. It is important that they learn how to effectively relate to one another, this simply cannot be done if group discussions were done only online. Additionally, taking away the face-to-face group discussion will only cater to those unwilling or unable to speak in the classroom and silences (literally) the voices that want to be heard. When group discussions are done in-person I would separate the students into small groups (4-5, depending on the size of the class). The small groups will work as a team to participate in the discussion. They can all agree to a question or comment they would like to share with the rest of the class and delegate one person to voice the group's thoughts. Other times, I will have the students arrange their desks to form a circle. This will give the group discussion a more intimate, informal feel. Students, from all participation levels, will take notes during the discussion and turn them as proof they were paying attention.
I agree, I am one of those student that just do not participate much in class. Discussion room is a useful tool and helps many students to be heard and feel confortable in sharing. So, I think this tool would be useful for some students.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it can be a really useful tool for students who aren't the most vocal in class, but also helps students to better articulate and form their thoughts because they aren't just blurting out an obligatory answer in class. However, I don't know that it can totally replace classroom discussion and the kind of bonding that takes place, but it definitely helps those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
ReplyDeleteI would hope that any teacher that uses the discussion board realizes, like you do, that it shouldn't be the only means of discussion in the classroom. It is a great idea for students who don't feel comfortable expressing themselves in the classroom however, these students should not completely rely on the discussion board. One thing that teachers must do, whether teaching first grade or high school, is to create safe environments where students feel comfortable about expressing their thoughts or questions. Creating this safe classroom environment will give the more quiet students confidence to speak out in class.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I am one of those students that hardly participate in class. Some of the reasons are: I am shy, and just rather listen. By using a discussion board or blog in class it does help those students that do not participate to give them a voice. Another thing that I think by doing this, is maybe it will make students feel comfortable with their classmates and might start participating in class a little more. That is a good idea to have students get into groups and discuss a question or comment, that will help them as well.
ReplyDelete