Hi Brian:
Good Whenever we as reachers can make the instruction more meaningful their going to retain more and learn better from from the classes.
Regards, Barry
The purpose of instructing is to guide the student to the point where he or she is able to understand and do whatever the student needs to succeed.
My success as a student-centered instructor means my student is the focus instead of me. His or her needs in order to achieve the goals of the course are also my needs.
Being a student-centered instructor is helpful to the student and the instructor. We can gauge how well we are presenting indeas and content as well as gauge how our students are conceptualizing our data. Usually, if one student is having difficulty chances are so is another one or a simple review maybe beneficial to another.
Thank you
That is true. I have found that this approach works with my younger and my adult students because there is a common human element at play in that the students feel that while I will expect the work in on time and I will grade fairly they will learn the material at a deeper level because their minds are open.
Hi Chris:
Yeah, it's like following a process that's established and solid as a rock, it's not going to budge. Or, we can be sensitive to the needs of the student, flexible in our approach to the delivery of course material based on student needs.
Regards, Barry
It helps in that you can have an approach that lets the students feel that you have their best interest in mind.
Hi Donna:
Yes, it is fortunate when we get smaller classes just because that intimacy will provide for more personal dialog and discussion, and perhaps create more trusting of one another, leading to honesty, respect and courtesy, and improved student outcomes. Larger classes make this more difficult to achieve.
Regards, Barry
I feel that by learning in smaller settings, especially ones that are being more student-centered, are very beneficial to both sudents and instructors as well.
Hi Dixie:
I think every instructor makes an impression on every student. I guess what can be debated is whether is was a small or large impression, and to what degree significance the teacher contributed to the student. As teachers, we have a responsibility to our students. To me, student centered implies we put the learning needs of the student ahead of other equally important components, such as our preferences and choices, existing practices and methods, and getting through the material whether the student learns or not. Being sensitive to student needs vs plodding through the tried and true is a simple way to put it. If we care, we will make a positive difference.
Regards, Barry
Measuring our success in teaching is tricky. Often we don't know we've kindled a spark in a student until years later--if ever. Numbers of students passed gives us a measurement of sort; X% have been herded through the requirements.
The real question, ephemeral, persistent, and often unanswerable, is this: did I make a positive difference is this student's life?
The fact that this question is so often unanswerable speaks volumes about our profession, fueled on hope and love.
Hi Sara:
Great! When students sense you care, want them to succeed, and demonstrate that you will assist them in all ways possible, they begin to see you're since about helping them do their best.
Regards, Barry
I think that it will allow me to put the student first and place attention on ensuring that I am teaching them what they need to know....and being there for them 100%
Hi Dixie:
You're applying this to your English composition class but I think your emphasis on the students interest is applicable to almost every type of class. I don't mean writing about their interests necessarily, but just taking a sincere, caring, and personal interest in the students when there's interaction will demonstrate that interest. It may even inspire, encourage, and result in excelling far above what anyone expected. There's really no reason to expect anything less is there? These are the attributes students most often cite when commenting about "their best teachers".
Regards, Barry
My class, English composition, is also one of those students would like to not find a reason for. That attitude has made me very student focused.
Since I can't expect them to be interested in my field, I get interested in theirs. As I encourage them to apply the skills they're learning to their field by writing about what interests them, I nearly always have to help them focus their topic and refine their sense of audience. The more I know about each one as a person, as well as the various majors they've chosen, the better chance I have of fostering success. Perhaps I'll even coax a student into genuine interest in improving writing!
Hi Cynthia:
Yes, putting student needs over our established patterns can often result in better student outcomes. We can change a lot just by caring, being approachable, listening to students, and offering suggestions that will assist successfulnes in their classes.
Regards, Barry
It takes the focus off the instructor and places the focus on the student.
Hi Eva:
So true. When student learning is the focus rather than the job of teaching, the instructional process takes on a whole other dimension - I expect more effective, interesting, and enjoyable.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gary:
Great! Students are individuals and most people will respond better to others whom they sense have an interest in their success. Teaching from this perspective reinforces the sentiment of caring, concerned and interested in good student outcomes.
Regards, Barry
By being aware of the students and their needs, I can remain more focused on learning, rather than teaching.
If you can put yourself in the students position you can see how the students perceive the school, the instructors and the classrooms. Also, if you take time to show the students that you care about them and their education, they will try harder to meet your expectations.
