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In what ways do you make your students feel valued?
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There are many ways I like to help my students feel valued. I encourage them to do their best, celebrate their successes, help them see from God’s perspective when something is difficult or when someone says something not so nice to them, etc.
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I view art course as a peaceful encouraging space for all students during the busy academic day. I tell them that their grades are determined by their effort and that everyone’s art is beautiful in its own way. I do a lot in the beginning by talking about being encouraging to each other and not to make fun of anyone else’s art. I ask them to show me their creations and I always try to be very encouraging. I also talk about how each of them is a valued, unique child of God.
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I make my students feel valued by encouraging them to do their best, rewarding for good behavior and the demonstration of Godly character traits, and pointing out when I see them improving or giving good effort. I do this verbally and sometimes in written form on their assignments. We celebrate as a whole course when students work hard and do something especially challenging. I also seek to remind them of how God views them and that they can do hard things.
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I teach my students that they have value as children of God. I also show that they are valued by showing them respect and understanding and utilizing their contributions to the course.
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As I think about what and how I conduct myself as an educator, I consider what makes me feel valued as a learner. I also observe how students interact and respond to my work as I seek to show them their value as students in the classroom, learners in the world, and children of the most high God. I appreciate being listened to well, so I seek to listen to students when they respond and show I’ve heard what they are saying. This means asking good questions to qualify their thoughts for both the good of the student and the good of the course overall. I set aside space within the classroom for personal reflection both as part of the daily lessons and through set aside space to take a break if thoughts or feelings become overwhelming. I make sure they can take risks as a learner and encourage them to let others take risks as we grow as people and as a community. I post their accomplishments, process with them through defeats, and point them toward the ultimately perfect God who fearfully and wonderfully created them.
