Know your students!
I agree strongly about getting to know your students. This helps in assessing where they are as learners. If an individual student was given modifications for homework and tests then it will be important to know this. If the student was used to having specific assignments modified to meet their educational needs then the college may have to do the same in order to keep the student on tract.
John,
This is a good way to gain that information and give you a starting point when approaching each student. This creates a foundation for the development of rapport for the duration of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that it is important to know each student individually, I intend on having my students fill out a Bio sheet of themselves so i have a better understanding of there needs.
Rena,
This information is so important as you strive to customize your instruction to the individual needs of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I want to know my students as much as possible.I am their instructor and this way I will be able to manage them support them encourage them.
I don't think it is trying to "be a member of there family" by being informed about what there learning style is, I think it could give them a few sucesses in school. And a few sucesses in class could help them blossom in there educational journey.
Donna,
Right you are about boundaries. We need to set them as instructors while earning the respect of our students as well as developing rapport the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to get to know my students for a way to evaluate how motivated they are what type of learning they respond to. However there is a line drawn in the sand for professionalism verses too involved in their private life.
It is also important for the teacher to know where his/her students are in relation to the course to be learned;to discover their strengths and weaknesses, their past experiences in conjunction with the course content, etc. that would serve as a guide in achieving the desired outcomes.
Johan,
I agree. Getting to know students helps you target your instruction and customize your delivery so you can keep them engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have to disagree with you. I feel that sometimes you need to get to know the students to allow for you to be able to teach them, and find the struggles they might be having. You do not need to get personal, but you do need to listen to them which will allow for you to give them th education they deserve.
Karleen,
Good point and one that I am reminded of frequently.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree. There are some things about my students that I don't want to know.
Sandra,
Good strategy. This is how you maintain professionalism while helping the students to be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with the family member comment. I enjoy getting to know the student but also keeps an arms length and allow for the professionalism shine through
Robert,
The intent of knowing one's students is for instructional planning and support reasons, not to become a member of their family as you mention. You make a good point about the fact they are adults and need to focused on successful completion of the course. I like to know the backgrounds of my students so I can plan more effectively for helping my students. I refer the more complex personal issues of the students to the Student Services Office where trained counselors provide support appropriately.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I cordially disagree
I want to know my students, but only to point . To much infrmation or a dependancy can be seen as a crutch. Your job is to instruct and help understand the iformation, not be a member of their family
