Employee involvement applies just as well to the classroom as to the office or factory floor. Explain how student involvement in classroom decisions typically made by the instructor alone might improve decision quality. What potential problems may occur in this process?

Problem identification. Because students have a different perspective than the instructor, their involvement might help identify issues or problems the instructor was unaware of. This could lead to improvements in the quality of the learning experience.

Generating alternatives. Student involvement could potential improve the number and quality of solutions generated. This typically happens when more people look for solutions, because individuals have different perspectives.

Better solutions. The likelihood of choosing the best solution, from the list of alternatives generated, would be increased due to diverse perspectives and values.

Increased commitment. When students are involved in identifying the issues, generating alternative solutions, and choosing a solution they may also feel more committed to the decision taken.

Increased perception of fairness. Being involved in the process, may also promote a sense of fairness among students.

To avoid problems with this process, limits should be placed on the extent of participation, and the number of issues requiring student involvement. For example, the determination of grades should be left up to the instructor. The types of questions and weightings of exams should also be predetermined.

The instructor would have to make sure all students are equally involved to avoid a small influential and vocal group of students from dominating the others.

Lastly, the instructor should be mindful that increasing student involvement requires more time, which may in turn reduce teaching time.

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