Why is it sometimes when we have classroom discussions, we see some students doing their own thing? We see them talking to each other, making jokes, teasing, writing something or doing their homework in other subjects.

Students enthusiasm, involvement and willingness to participate affect the quality of class discussion as an opportunity for learning. Your challenge is to engage all students, keep them talking to each other about the same topic and develop insights into the subject matter.

            The following suggestion are intended to help you create a classroom in which students feel comfortable, secure, willing to take the risks and ready to test and share ideas.

BUILD RAPPORT WITH STUDENTS

            Simply saying that you are interested in what they think and that you value their opinions and comment positively and reinforce good points.

BRING STUDENTS’ OUTSIDE COMMENTS INTO CLASS

            Talk to students wherever you see them around the campus. If they have good comments, let them speak and share it to the class.

USE NONVERBAL CUES TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION

For example, smile expectantly and nod as students talk. Maintain eye contact, looked relaxed interested.

DRAW ALL STUDENTS INTO THE DISCUSSION

            You can involve more students by asking them whether they agree with what has just said. “How do the rest of you feel about that?”

TACTFULLY CORRECT WRONG ANSWERS

            Any type of putting down or disapproval will inhibit students from speaking up and from learning. Say something positive, provide follow-up questions that will enable students to understand and correct their own errors

By: Mrs. Alicia B. Reyes | Teacher III | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan