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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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I think time is one of the most effective ways to make students feel valuable. While I have office hours, I want my students to know that they can come in for anything from tutoring to prayer or both. I want my room to be a safe haven for whatever might happen during the day.
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There have been many times in my past that I have felt undervalued and so I make it a point to be sure my students feel valued. I greet them at the door, I talk with them and ask them how things are going and just get to know them better as a person. Though there are consequences for their actions I show grace when appropriate. I compliment and praise them for doing good things. Many of my Bible lessons touch on the theme of being created in the image of God and how God has a purpose for them.
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In my classroom I want to make sure each student feels valued. I work hard every day to check in with each student and always allow them to have a 1×1 conversation with me. As a graphic design teacher, I also put up my student’s work on the walls to make students feel excited about seeing their projects being displayed and to encourage them. I make sure to validate every student when asks questions and asking for help.
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I always start course with prayer. Each student has the opportunity to pray, say prayer requests and share their praises. During this special prayer time, students who might be feeling stressed, vulnerable, sad, lonely, etc are able to express their feelings and emotions and bring them to Jesus. Sometimes students do not want to share what they are going through, when that happens I find a good time to ask them what is wrong. I give them advise and pray with them.
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One way I try to make my students feel valued is by telling them. Making sure they hear from me that I care about them and want them to be successful in all that they do. I constantly tell them that no where in my teaching contract does it say to fail students. Another way I show them that they are valued is by awarding them or giving them lollipops. Many times I can tell when they are having a bad day and the lollipop seems to pick them up. I also give them a lollipop on their birthday, which is listed on my whiteboard at the front of the course.
