Anything we can do to make the classroom experience more rewarding will help retain students
When a student suceeds a teacher suceeds
Retention holds the same value as a classroom syllabus.
Matthew,
It starts with the earning of mutual respect and then develops into rapport. Having rapport with students is one of the rewards of being an educator and getting to be a part of preparing the next generation to enter our field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree! The teacher and student need to have developed a trusting relationship with each other. This is crucial in the development of the students progress within the class.
-Matthew Schwartz
I agree as I too tell student different career stories as they pertain to the lecture of the day as it keeps them interested in the lecture.
When the instructor is motivated and excited, the students will be also.
Jarred,
This is an important lesson for them to learn. You are helping them to see that they do have a chance to shape their future future if they are willing to invest the time and effort needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also find it helpful to relate to the students who didn't give it their all and made poor choices and now are having a hard time finding a career. I think it puts things in perspective for them to see that working hard really does pay off.
Sybil,
This is so important as an approach because it shows both relevancy and application for the students. The more they see the material in this light the more ROI they will attach to the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I try to show them how the material provided will be relevant to their success in the next class, their cooking, as well as how it can be used to run a small business. Rather than using the examples in the text book, I try to create situations in which the same type of math can be used to analyze balance sheets, create recipes etc.
Sean,
With this approach you are providing support to the student by walking them down to Student Services but are not becoming a focal point of providing money or help to students with needs that are outside of the classroom. By doing so you are retaining your role as the learning leader and this is critical if you are going to continue to move the course forward.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When a student vocalizes his/her needs for help outside of class, such as the need to have gas money or bus money to get to school, I personally walk that student down to Student Services for help. Though I would like to fill every student's gas tank or give them bus fare, I still need to maintain a professional distance.
Susan,
This is a form of edutainment that gets students engaged and focused on the content. Students as you know love hearing these stories because they show the relevance and application of the content being taught. So keep up the sharing of these stories.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also find that personal stories help the anatomy information I am trying to convey stick in students' minds. I am usually quite animated in telling the stories, using body language and facial expressions to get the point across.
Matthew,
These stories help to capture the interest of the students as well as increase the value of the course to the students. The more examples you can share of application and relevance the better. These stories help to do that. Keep on sharing!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe sharing personal stories pertaining to the course helps students see the reality of the field and better prepare them for what's ahead
being able to direct there focus back into working for goal and not giving up. hard work always pays off
Paul,
I totally agree with you sharing life experiences and student relating to them is very helpful.
Becky,
Students really perk up when they have stories from the field shared with them as you have experienced. These stories help to make the content come alive and have application to their careers. Keep up the sharing!
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
