My philosophy on teaching a diverse student body
Teaching students from different cultural, financial, social and age backgrounds at a vocational level is a real challenge for me at times. Students bring with them all kinds of expectations that we might never live up to. I have learnt to make some accommodations for students while not diluting what I am trying to teach them.
I find a good way to get through to students at my school is to remind them that they are all there pursuing a dream, and that dreams are not easy to attain but I am here to help them achieve this goal.
I point out that our differences may make us unique but we can all learn something new from each other.
Hi Michell,
The students need to be reminded often of why they are enrolled in their program and what the results of their studies can be for their future.
Gary
It is important to be able to understand the goals of the students and remind them of those goals through the program.
I completely agree with Eric. I also find it a bit difficult to teach such a diverse group of students. As mentioned in Module 1, some people are in the class for different reasons. I try to adjust to everyones level, without going far off with it.
On the 1st day, I also ask my returning students and my new students to go around the room and introduce themselves and tell the class a little bit about themselves, their background, and their goal in school as well as when they graduate.
I also aprticipate in the discussion because I never want my students to think I am better than them. I tell them a little of how I started, my experiences and what a vocational school did for me and my family.
It's almost a reassurance for them because I also am a product of a vocational school.
I agree that we need to find out as much information about our students as possible to be able to better assist them in attaining their goal in the future.
Hi Eric,
Way to stay on top of the reasons your students are in your class. This way as you say you can focus on those reasons and help your students achieve their career goals.
Gary
I agree with the idea that it is important to know why the students are in school in order to better understand their motivation. I also like to ask them on the 1st day what their objective is after graduating from school. That gives me an idea of the kind of information I want to focus on: are they going to run their own business, are they going to work for a large corporation, are they going to work for a mom & pop's operation.
When dealing with "non'traditional" students, I feel that it is our duty as educators/instructors to know exactly where they are coming from. Just like we expect them to read, write, and open their minds to new ideas and thoughts, we should also be open to theirs. We also need to realize that they are not in school to "get an education" or to get a degree, but rather they are here to make more money, buy a house, support their family, etc. Their reasons for being here are different from the reasons why we chose to go to college. To them, education is just a way to live a little more comfortably and have a better life.
I agree. The best way to approach differences is to acknowledge and appreciate them but also to find some common goals and aspirations.
