I definitely agree. I've found even just posting my picture so students can see I am a real person helps.
I teach online so the human factor becomes even more substantial. Students online require you to demonstrate that you are out there and in tune with their needs or they start to drift away.
Hi Doc,
I teach film production to senior students. It's primarily "hands on" team productions. These experiences are as close to real world work environments as possible. Within this structure, in addition to teaching the practical skills, I try to instill upon them the importance and value of each person and their contribution towards the overall success of the project. The goal is to help them realize each person is as valuable as everyone else and needs to be respected and treated accordingly. The process is a microcosm of society and a experience that's applicable in many aspects of their lives.
Happy Holidays,
Johnny
I just got off the phone with a student that had knee surgery and won't be in class all week. We devised a plan for her to hear the lecture by phone, and a ride (since she can't drive) to participate in the lab. It will make all the difference in keeping her grades up, and not giving up.
When I was a college student (many years ago) some of my professors asked that the only information we put on our papers was our Social Security Number. Those professors gave me the feeling that my presence and participation was a bother to them. I found it extremely difficult to care much about the class because I wasn't even a person. Thankfully, things have changed a lot over the last 45 years.
There is a quotation frequently used in educational settings that says something to the effect of "students do not care how much you know until they know how much you care".
Instructors need to acknowledge that their students are people first and students second. The students need to know that the instructor cares about them as people. Students also benefit from seeing the instructor as a person. Sharing information from your personal life allows the students to find that they have things in common with the instructor.
Seeing our students as humans is quite important. We need to know and understand that they too have a life outside the classroom. They have families, work, along with other stresses. All of these will affect how a student performs in the classroom. Knowing this will help instructors to prepare lectures and assignments while at the same time showing students that we do care.
The "Human Factor" is the one element within the educational process that directly affects individual student success and/or failure in any given class. Without a "connection" with the instructor, with the fellow students, and the with the relevance of the material to the individual, students often "flounder" which can result in poor performance academically.
Hi Chasidy,
Good point. We can never lose sight of the human factor in our instructional approach. By keeping this in mind we will be able to connect with our students and provide support as needed.
Gary
Hi Laura,
This is so true. We need to always see the total person as we approach the instructional process. By doing so we will be able to better meet the individual needs of our students.
Gary
Realizing that Adult Learners are humans facing the same struggles as every other human is very important to student retention. It is important, as an instructor, to remind yourself that these people are facing different life altering struggles than middle or high school students would. Dealing with them like they are a friend or family member is generally helpful in making them feel safe, comfortable and successful.
The human factor is important on both ends. Letting students know your own vulnerabilities (using empathy) can often help them open up and share their obstacles. The human element can be an extremely effective tool in letting students know you will support and help them through their obstacles.
Without paying attention to the whole student, instructors lose the opportunity to show students how the material applies to them. Without that element, students easily lose focus and become disinterested - ultimately, they disengage and are more susceptible to losing focus of college altogether. As instructors, it is our responsibility to ensure that each student engages with the learning process - and in turn, we learn from them as well.
Hi Cynthia,
Since I work with a lot of adult high risk learners I appreciate your comments. If leaving school is best for a student that needs to get family and life in order I try to work with that student in a way that leaves the option for returning wide open. I try to make sure they understand that I am there for them when they decide to return to school and that I will make it as easy as I can to get them started again. The students really appreciate knowing the door is always open to them.
Gary
Hi Dolores,
Good point about the need for interaction by students with other students. These interactions can lead to life long connections and networks that will help careers move forward. So the instructor connection is important but as you say just as important are the student connections.
Gary
Hi Ida,
This is so important and your point is well made. The more we can extend the feeling of support to our students the greater their comfort levels will be. When they are feeling at ease and included they don't think about dropping out.
Gary
I think "the right thing" can sometimes be so important, we try to keep all the students but occasionally we run across one that maybe school should not be their top priority right now and we need to accept this not proceed with pressuring this student to remain in school. For example if they are living in their car, lost their children to Child Protective Services, they need to get their live back on track and then pick up school again. I could never ask a student to select school over the children. I think sometimes we get all caught up in keeping all our students that in these rare cases we need to take a step back and encourge this student to do what is best for family first then school can happen.
I believe that the human factor is important in the learning environment so that the students and instructor create a bond. Studies have shown that those who feel they belong to a group (learning environment) are more likely to return to the group and assist in group communication and activities. Creating a learning environment includes helping the individuals to mesh and learn from one another. If the student believes that he or she will only learn from the instuctor and does not connect with other students, then a tremendous learning opportunity is lost.
Dolores Kiesler
The human factor in retention is to make every student feel tey are special. Listen to their concerns and try to direct them to someone in the school that can help them if you can not
Hi Betty,
Good point about how to show the students you care about their success. This is what good teaching is all about. Student rapport increases the completion rate because students know someone they respect cares about their success.
Gary
