The human factor is important because as adult learners, or even students in general look for validation of their character, abilities, their their dreams. Knowing students on a level in which you listening to their dreams and providing a positive environment for them to grow.
Remember the Golden Rule:
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Students are expecting more from the interactions they receive from their instructors, especially in non-traditional institutions. The need to interact in a personal and professional manner is a requirement especially with the Gen Y and Millenial group as they are used to more personalized instruction that fits around their personalities and personal lives. Without this rapport, students feel the need to remove themselves from the environment and put themselves in an environment that satisfies these needs.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for sharing this personal example of student interaction. It is so important for us all to be aware of how easily this form of support can get away from us. We need to constantly "read" our students so we can make sure we are there to support, encourage and motivate our students as needed.
Gary
Hi Dolores,
You are on the right track with learning the names of your students. Try to chat with each student and gain a significant fact from that student so you can connect that fact with the name. If not connect a physical feature such a long hair, brown hair, height, etc. to each student's name. Then use their names over and over in relation to the fact or feature to the point it becomes automatic when you see the student their name pops up in your memory.
Gary
Hi Earl,
This is so true. One of my first classes as a college freshman had over 300 students in it. I came from a small rural high school with 63 kids in it. Talk about shock! I made it through but it sure wasn't because of the individual attention I received from the instructor. I vowed never to teach in a setting like that in my life and I haven't. I want to be able to know and interact with my students and to build rapport with them. If I can't I don't want to teach.
Gary
So important...vital! We are an authority figure to them, so as instructors we need to be leaders - leaders respect and value people - human beings, and get to know the students - their goals, fears, and inevitably a lot more about them. And, the student gets to know you as a leader, not just as a "boss" which hopefully makes them more comfortable. Their needs are met, so learning is more apt to take place.
It is extremely important. I have made the mistake in the past of not connecting with a particular student on a human level with bad consequences. I found that by not acknowledging that student's individual needs and personal circumstances, the student quickly became frustrated with me and with my course. I needed to let her know that I was aware of the challenges she was facing outside of the classroom and let her know that despite those challenges she could still be successful in my course.
I have difficulty remembering names also. I work in a clinical setting so the picture taking is a little difficult in that situration. the students do wear name tags, they are ususally turned over face down. I do turn the name tag over to see the name but that is obvious. I am going to try to develp some kind of method to help me identify the student, maybe associating their background in a way that will help me. Any other suggestions?
The human factor is very important as can be seen at a lot of large universities where the instructors don't even know the students' names. How can a student find success in that kind of environment? How EASY is it to disappear between the cracks and drop out? Smaller, career-focused schools by nature provide a positive, personal education where students can find success.
I agree. I am going to start using student pictures to help me remember names. Any other techniques for name memorization????
Students need to see the value of the material you are discussing. Showing how they can use the material learned has more meaning than talking about the mater.ial
Honest and open communication with students helps them to overcome most of their fears. One of the easiest ways to begin the communication process is by learning each student name and something about their history that they are willing to share with the class. It demonstrates a caring attitude and displays to the student that each of them is an individual. Greeting the students each time you meet in the class and also saying good-bye or have a good day tells them you are looking forward to see them the next day.
Gary,
Thank you for your comments. As you explained, allowing students to share their experiences helps Intructor-Student Rapport, as well as Student-Student Rapport. I feel that this is an imoprtant Team Building exercise that will allow studenct to develop much needed support groups, which can help them achieve success during troubled times.
Hi Joe,
I agree. Social interaction and emotional involvement is a part of our jobs no matter what we do. By letting your students share their life experiences with the other students you are giving each student respect and something to talk with the other students about.
The is also the start of the development of respect and rapport which can grow throughout the course.
Gary
I feel that the Human Factor is often overlooked in tha classroom setting. Everyone has a story, regardless of their age and experience. By allowing them to introduce themselves and share their experiences with the rest of the class, adult learners often feel like they are a part of something important, rather than just a number or another person learning a skill or trade.
This approach personalizes the learning experience that can be tapered into each student's own basic needs.
the human factor is very important. a studemt needs to feel an instructor views their needs and successes individually. If the instructor can accomplish this, they can gain the student's trust. And the student needs to trust that the instructor cares about their individual success.
Because alot of times student may be apprehensive. Being human is ok to help them thru this difficult time of changing thier lives.
I find that if my students can see that I truly enjoy my choosen field and each day I try to bring excitement into my classroom, keep the student excited about their choosen path.
Very important to me and the students.
