I have a unique situation with the studenmts that are in my program. Most of them are wanting to be successful in this occupation. But I have a significate number, I would say around 20% that don't seem to care one way or the other about being successful in college. It almost seems as though, they are in for the "free ride" and don't seem to have any interest in getting "the bang for the buck". I do my best to help to motivate them and keep their intreat up, however they don't seem to care.
Jennifer,
Thank you for these comments. By having this information you can build a foundation for respect and rapport with your students and that leads to enhanced learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Knowing the reasons why a student enrolls in school helps me identify the students goals, also any prior experence that he or she has had in the field. It also allows me to provide a supportive environment for each student based on their individual needs.
Tammara,
Right you are and in addition knowing this information will help you to customize your support for specific students to help them stay engaged.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It will help you to bridge the gap between what their expectations are from the class or program and how they can practically achieve these expectations
I believe if we know why the students have enrolled in a program it will help us to better understand what they are wanting to do with the information they learn from us.
It will clarify their intentions and perceived goals. Motivation and realistic achievements can be addressed and map out a guideline for them to rely on.
Knowing why the student has enrolled can help the instructor tailor the instruction to what student the student is looking for. By being able to help the student with the issues they want help with, the instructor can help keep retention high.
I agree with this as it gives a moore depth into what is expected of you as the instructor as what we can expect from the student. As stated that it still must fall in the guidelines of the objectives, however it may give the instructor other ideas of how the information is going to reach the student.
Information can be gained regarding what the student hopes to obtain by attending the program. This information should help to guide instruction.
It helps the instructor to see the students goals and if the student has prior experience he/she brings to the classroom.
By getting to know the students and what their goals are, and where they see themselves in the future.
On the first day I go to each student and have him talk about they gosls in life or there plains. I explain that I had goals and have net most of them. One was to be here and teach students, this helps me understand why they are in class.
I want to have a better understanding of my students, so I can give them a better education.
Jeff,
I am always amazed at the diverse life experiences my students bring into class. The more I learn about their backgrounds the more I can use them as resources for the course content.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Agreed. And knowing more about their background will give you additional insight into the student.
Understanding your students, the level of their education and or life experience in your group will help you plan your instruction to keep the level of instruction up to their level while keeping it challenging. This is important to your program contributing to student development and learning.
If I know their goals then I will understand why the student is at our school which will in turn allow myself to curtail my teaching towards aspects of my students wants and needs.
Knowing why students enroll in any program help gain an understanding of the student personally and profesionally. As an instructor this allows us to get the student more involved in the course from their point of view.
It will help you plan your instruction because you can incorporate those reasons into the material. For example, if a student states that the reason for starting this career is to make more money, I can provide information related to pay in the material.
