Debora,
This is key for students so they feel a part of the learning community and not just someone that pays tuition.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The feeling of acceptance in the classroom, makes the student feel like they are apart of the class and not just a body filling a chair.
Darin,
It is amazing how a few words of encouragement can have a major impact on the lives of students. So we need to remind ourselves to share these words when we interact with students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is very important to prove students words of encouragement when it is earned. You may have a student that is struggling with one particular task and is in need of a few kind words. I have found that ensuring students when proving well only helps push them to keep preforming at a high level.
Make students feel part of the class. This should be done in the first week. Find out what they do outside class and use some part in class
DANIEL,
This is a valuable support service to and for students. Knowing they are a part of a learning community goes a long way in helping them to get settled into a course and feeling a part of what is going on.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When the student feels accepted by his/her fellow students it can provide him/her with a feeling of being a part of something, that they matter to somebody and that they are looked upon as equals. This can build confidence is the student and motivate them to do more or take part in more class activities and this involvement can cause them to exert themselves more which can lead to success.
Laura,
This is a very good point. Education is built upon right answers because right answers on tests get students points which translate into high grades. School should be organized in a way that students can make mistakes and learn from them in way that does not cause them undue concern and they can take what they learn from the mistakes and become even more proficient in their knowledge and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Making mistakes in a safe environment is one of the best ways to learn.
CHRISTOPHER,
So important and so true. This helps the students to get settled in and not be distracted by the environment but see it as being supportive.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
creating an inviting enviroment stimulates learning. Students need a nurturing physical and welcoming class. It empowers students to not be afraid to share, discuss, debate or ask questions without any embarassment or fear of ridicule.
When students feel accepted than they are more willing to put themselves out there...to embrace learning and not being shy from challenges.
Shannon,
You raise a number of very good questions about relating to students. This is an ongoing challenge for instructors for some of the reasons you list. The diversity of the student population demands that you develop an approach that will enable you to connect with the recent high school graduates as well as those that are going through the course to train to enter another career. By pulling on their life experiences along with your own and you have a very rich background you all will be able to find common ground and then move forward as a united learning community.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think feeling accepted is so important for the learning process. While we generally think about young adults needing this, older adults do to. Myself for example; will I fit in with a young class and be able to make friends? This is a two way street as well, not only do I need to be concerned with if the younger students will accept me or relate to me, can I relate to them and accept them. I served 22 years in the military special operations community where everyone wants to be there and operates at an extremely high level. Now going into a classroom with younger, less mature students will be a challenge that I need to overcome. Do the others want to be there and will they pull their weight on projects for example? Older learners may find themselves in a leadership role with the young adults in order to be successful.
Amber,
The more senses that can be used in the learning process the better. As a result a higher level of retention will result as well as student satisfaction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Amber,
This is so important. Students really need to have a level of comfortable and acceptance so they know they will be supported by their learning leader during the course. This starts the development of rapport and respect with them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that the hands on method is very important. In our class we have lab and lecture which really seems to help the students retain the information. Depending on what type of learners they are, some prefer to have lecture first and then lab and others like to do it the opposite way.
By feeling accepted, the student will continue to work towards their goals in class. Being a part of the class allows them to feel as their input matters and is important.
Ralph,
I can understand why your students say this as I am a hands on lab learner myself. As they master the tactile skills they will see the value of the cognitive information being taught and how both are needed for career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, my students often tell me that the lab is the place where they learn the most. I try to use the lab as a place to enforce what I talked about during that days lecture so they can put that information to practical use while it is still fresh in their minds. I find that really helps them to understand some of the more technical information.
