Throughout my years of college I believe that being successful is very important not only in classes but any other college activities. Attendance, grades and personal appearance are all good attributes.
Students should have short and long term goals they expect to achieve while in college. As an instructor, I should be able to guide them in setting a path to reach their goals. This can be done by listening, enouraging, and being compassionate in their situations as normal human beings. The end result is building confidence in the career path they have chosen.
Hi Dr. Meers,
As a fellow online student (I'm an online professor), I am able to use my personal experience to build a rapport with my students. I explain the techniques and study habits that I used in order to successfully complete my degree programs. By sharing my experiences and success stories, I feel that it encourages my students and builds confidence in themselves.
Thanks,
Robert Stephens
I'm in a classroom with adults whose first language is Spanish. In what ways can I leverage this quality for classroom activities?
Students can overcome their fear of not being successful through moral support by way of encouragement. I sometimes use simple examples or quotes to do this. One of my favorite stories to refer to is 'The Little Engine that Could.' Students also respond well to real-life examples, especially if they involve a scenario that is personal to me.
I feel it is helpful to always check in with the students on a regular basis. Having that one-on-one to discuss their fears, then help them to get over the fear with a solid plan. I see this deminish as they go through their courses and they see success.
I like to point out all of the little things that they're doing well in order to encourage them on a positive path.
One way is to show students how the concept that is being learned can apply to their everyday activities. Another way is for them to understand that success is achievable, and that some fear is a natural part in attaining success.
April,
Good strategy and great service for your students. You are helping them to get settled into the class and building on their self confidence so they feel they can be successful.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I like to give students the opportunity during class to finish an initial assignment. I also like to offer exercises that allow them to give insight as a new graduate or someone who has been out of school for a longer time. Also, during lecture, I like to point out the value of student contributions that may vary according to experience. This allows the students to feel that they also have something to offer to the course other than homework submissions.
I find that allowing them to share their thoughts in class encourages them to return. It seems they feel as if they are somewhat in control. I also encourage their opinions and tell them I learn from them also.
My particular class is one that students are often very nervous and fearful about taking and I find that by creating a safe and warm environment where the students feel as though they can voice those fears they in turn are able to overcome those fears. Dwelling and ruminating on things often make situations bigger than they are. If I notice a particular student who seems hesitant or has that deer in headlights look I'll pull them aside and talk about what's bothering them and making them nervous thus easing the tension.
Rapport can certainly be beneficial.
One way would be to 'engage' them in the class discussion. Certainly, having them respond to questions with information or insight, as good as (if not better) then other students would show them they do 'deserve' to be there. Of course, if they don't know the answer to the question (due to lack of preparation) that could be counter-productive.
Another way would be to give suggestions on work products, regardless of the actual score. That is, telling them how, with some effort, they can improve their performance. I must admit, I have mixed results on this idea. The 'good' students doen't really need those suggestions and the 'not so good' students usually ignore my suggestions.
Ian,
I like the way you connected the dots of his previous life experiences to his current situation. This approach can be powerful in helping students to see that everything we attempt is going to require some experience so we can continue to get better at it.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I use positive reinforcement with my students. I often tell them the world is negative and stressful enough without our school situations adding to it. I tell them that if they apply themselves they will really know the material. I try to discourage any talk of "I've never been good at spelling" etc. I give them ways to improve on the areas they are concerned with. If there is a student that is performing less that par repeatedly I will talk with them in private as to why. Often the will admit that they have not given the class enough of their focus. I enocurage them to do so and often there will be an improvement. The students who have made a complete turn around will come back telling me "I did this" or "I am making all A's and B's this quarter" I respond with the fact that I always knew they were capable of this they only needed to apply themselves.
Failure is something that is a huge reality in my profession - Cooking.
I always try and find out what students did before they came to school - In one case I had a student who was in the construction business and was getting frustrated with the results of his sauce making.
I asked him to remember the first time he tried mudding drywall, or hanging crown molding. He admited that it looked terrible and I asked him to think about his progression and to remember it as he progressed at school.
That seemed to help him out.
Offer continual and sincere praise and affirmation to students.
Help them understand the syllabus in managable segments letting them know they will be supported through the course.
Be encouraging. Help them understand that there is plenty of help such as tutoring and one on one opportunities availble to help them become succcessful in college.
Constantly encourage students to attend class regularly and not get behind on assignments. I see so many students who believe that they can miss the first half of the quarter, and then try to cram it all into the last few weeks of class. They set themselves up for failure by doing so.
