Hi Ariana,
What are some methods you use to help you learn about and understand your students' goals?
Gary
understanding students's goals helps me by being able to relate lecture to those goals.
Since I am a mathematics teacher, it is useful so I can implement problems related the the students specific field into my lectures. When you find something that is tied to what you know/or are interested in, it seems that you are able to understand the material much better.
Pam,
Yes, I agree with you wholeheartedly! I teach Information Technology (IT) and let them know that most successful IT folk love their jobs! They are willing to spend extra time learning about the changes in the field and each day brings new adventures.
Hi Alicia,
You are right about how important the role of the instructor is in helping students to see their future. By knowing that their instructor cares about their success the students get more involved in determining their future and success as well.
Gary
Hello,
Knowing why students enroll in a program or in school is important and will essentially tell you if they are serious or just here to be here. Communicating with students is important and imperative for their success. When you ask questions about their reasons for being in college, many students will have the feeling that the instructor has a genuine interest in their educational goals and intern the instructor will have a feel for their students.
For example: students may respond when asked, this is my dream, I have always wanted to explore this area of study, my mom made me come to college, my parents always wanted me to study in this area, I am in school because my parents are paying for it….etc. These are several responses I have heard as an administrator and can tell you how interested the student is.. Regardless of their answer, many students can enjoy their learning experiences, once the instructor sets the tone….
Having kowledge of why a student has enrolled in our school can give me an insight to possible expectations they have. Knowing this can help me prepare to meet those expectations.
There are times when a student/learner will seem to lack motivation or lose focus. Knowing why they enrolled in the beginning will help the instructor reanimate the student. Sometimes a refocus is nothing more than a recentering of goals.
If I know why my students have enrolled in the course it will help me to motivate them to achieve their goals.
It will help me plan my lessons better so I can respond to theie needs. If they are older students returning to school after a long period of time they may be nervous about failure and may need reassurance that they are doing fine.
If the students are younger they may have a fear of the social fit in. Making them feel comfortable will help get them retain them and help them succeed.
It would let me know how interested they are in this program as well as letting me know if they have any experience in this field or if this is a second career. It may also allow me to find out if any of them have any special needs so I may better help them in certain areas.
Hi Christopher,
This is a real challenge because I know you want to help your students to be as prepared they can be as they are ready to enter the field but if they are lacking desire or dedication that can a bit vexing in terms of how the students will see the benefits of their training.
Gary
By understanding their motives you can understand what will motivate them and can focus some of your teaching style toward that.
Hello,
This is a difficult situation for the culinary industry. We get a lot of students who are avoiding "real" college and they were either forced to come here or they don't really know what they are doing here.
The culinary field is very tricky to get a grasp of because while the basics are straight forward, the rest is largely theoretical and elaboration of understanding.
The instruction is standardized but with each new class we have to develop new strategies and vary the delivery slightly to best suit the capabilities of our classes. It is a constant challenge.
G
When I know why a student has enrolled it helps me to keep his motivation level up to help him/her succeed
Hi Gary,
Their reason for enrolling is their motivation, and
motivation is what causes adults to get things done!
I want to remember that a class is a two-way street...I cannot get a lot done without the involvement of my students. I want to help them meet their needs for enrollment, to get them engaged in the course.
Sincerely, Pam
Hi Jim,
You start with an ice breaker activity at the beginning of the course and see what information the students share with you during the introduction time. If there are still questions you have or if you want further information then set up a time when you can talk with the student privately. Talking with individual students really helps to start the development of rapport with them. This is in addition to the regular contact you have with them in class.
Gary
Hi Jim,
In my face to face courses, I might do a survey where I ask about that. I also let the students know that while I encourage responses, I don't demand them. My goal is to help them provide information that might help shape the course
to their needs, without violating privacy.
Sincerely, Pam
Hi Crystal,
I think you make good points.
I like to think of teaching a course as a dialogue.
Providing instruction is not an end point for the student; it's a step along the way to helping them
do what they want to do.
Sincerely, Pam
Hi Colleagues,
I frequently teach students who are studying nursing. They study math and also chemistry
with me.
For them, it is essential that I
focus on the health-related components of study.
Also, it is particularly critical that
I point out common mistakes, that could
cost patient lives.
Considering their career paths helps me
focus on what is important to them!
Sincerely, Pam
