overwhelming the students
When the students gets overwhelmed, I noticed its usually because there is too much material that is presented to them. Such as, reading assigned for homework, reports due the next day, and research that needs to be done for the class. When the students are overwhelmed they tend to give up quickly and lose interest. Setting small goals for them allows them to have a sense of accomplishment and they are more motivated.
That method can help them with all aspects, show them how to break down an assignment into small chuncks. Here at our school, the student take a ten-minute break every hour, so you can work in "let's try to get Exercises X,Y,Z done before next break." Helps them focus a little better. Mindy
It is almost impossible to get all the material taught to students who are weak academically. It is very frustrating. The “bean counters†do not care. Herd them in and herd them out. I say quality over quantity.
I feel it is important to discuss all of the assignments, reading, and test preperations regularly. For our school the students are in class 5 days a week for the first simester and weekly with 4 days of clinicals after. I feel maybe a weekly sylabi for the 1st simester and a biweekly sylabi there after to help highlight the assignments help the students keep more organized. To discuss these at the beginning of the class, see how the students are progressing and address any concerns the students may have will help with the overwhelming feelings they have. To address them and acknowledge the stress and to let them know you understand is very helpfull.
For the fast pace of career education, overwhelmed students seems to be the norm. Setting shorter goals and compartmentalizing instruction definitely helps, but when students expect to fit a career education into their otherwise normal lives, while expecting that they will not need to make adjustments to their work and social lives, no amount of adjustment on the part of the instructor will help. Students need to have their expectations adjusted quickly upon entering such programs. Like culinary school. :)
I almost always have students who feel overwhelmed. One of the reasons they chose a career college in the first place is to finish earlier than they would in a traditional college. If they are going to be able to compete they need the same information. Also, I have a pre-set curriculum that has to be covered. The best I can do is offer a little extra one on one time.
I'm a new instructor for adult learners. I assume that some students are intent on dropping the class and will attribute it to being overwhelmed. Is it possible to save these students by tailoring teaching methods to their needs?
Yes, I think this helps immensely. I also think many students feel overwhelmed for reasons outside of school challenges. A caring ethic, then, helps students know that you will avail yourself to listen.
