How can you explore your students'' strengths?

Question

As a teacher what are some ways you can explore your students' strengths?

Answer 1

Rephrase your questions, some students respond to different wording.

Also, assign a varying amount of assignments. If you are going to assign an objective test, heavy on writing. Have an assignment, that allows other students demonstrate the same knowledge in a different way such as creating a poster.

Be creative in your assignments, and allow your students to be creative in return.

Answer 2

Honestly, by leaving them alone. Don't explore anything about their lives or talents, if they don't expose it outright. It won't serve you.

In a lot of ways, the inner-workings of our students' minds is none of our business.

Give them opportunities to explore their own inner strengths.

I am not sure which approach you should take, it all depends on the discipline.

Another thing ... talk less.

I teach English Comp. I do some talking but Never for over 15 minutes.

If you say something, give them an activity to allow them to explore the topic, in their own way.

"Star" -- I also second your advice. I teach at the college level, so I might not be very helpful. For k-6, your ideas are superb.

As the courses require more critical thinking, students can be turned loose more.

Answer 3

Teachers need to be good observers and good listeners. Your question is an excellent one because teachers spend a lot of time pointing out weaknesses and correcting mistakes. To motivate and inspire students they need to see what they are doing well.

How do we do this? Try lots of variety in activities keeping in mind that students vary in their learning styles. Some are visual, others oral and we often forget those that are kinesthetic and need direct hands on experiences.

There are actually personality tests that can teach you and your students what your learning style is. Once children know how they learn they can better understand what method works best for them. Knowing your own style can help you to see that you may be ignoring the other styles because it is not normal or comfortable for you.

Generally, kids with lower self esteem and who struggle at school are the ones that really have difficulty seeing their strengths. Getting them to see for themselves that they can do things well takes time and energy .However, once they have that look or say something that shows they have succeeded, a door has opened to a strength. A good teacher will see or hear this moment and take advantage by giving lots of praise or encouragement.

Knowing your students well and figuring out what works best for them is the greatest challenge for all good teachers.

Answer 4

OF corse testing is one. BUT ASK THEM.HAVE them sit down and list their strengths.SOME know and some dont know.ANOTHER is calling home and chatting with the parent. THATS how i found out how talented my one class was. ONE is now a talented actor today.

Answer 5

That's easy! Just ask what their interests are.