Hi Robert,
Well said. Good idea about the accountability coach. That is a major role of an instructor and we need to make sure we fulfill that role. By doing so our students will increase in their skills and knowledge which leads them toward their career goals.
Gary
Hi Troy,
I like this idea. This exchange can help set the stage for the day and gives the students a chance to relax and reflect on what they have learned since the previous class.
Gary
Targeting the human factor goes hand-in-hand with being visible...especially in an online learning setting. Nothing worse than an AWOL or never present instructor/facilitator.
By attending to visibility strategies and staying "on the radar" for online learners, the human factor or "I care" comes through loud and clear with the student/customers.
I simply follow the golden rules of human communication and interaction: mutual respect, dignity, and courtesy in all I do relating to my students. Again, the sincerity shines through and the students understand I am in it with them in their success strategies.
I also go beyond the instructor/facilitator role and set myself up in the student's minds as the "accountability coach" or just The Coach if you will. Just like a personal trainer in a gymnasium who you "love to hate", you realize the accountability coach is pushing you to excellence in chasing your education goals and dreams. Students respond well to having an accountability coach keeping them on-track and engaged.
Thanks.
I feel it is very important to connect with your students on this level. If students feel you value and care about their success they will also value and care about their success.
The human factor is huge in the learning process! I'll use myself as an example. I initially chose to major in business in college, but ultimately decided on Journalism: Mass Communications because the instructor saw something special in me, and motivated me to pursue what she felt I had a passion for. Prior to that point I was just cruising along not really applying myself the way I should have. This instructor also inspired me to go on for my advanced degree.
Extremely important. Despite the advice presented by a Harvard University instructor in a previous learning module, I like to ask my students at the beginning of every class "What did you learn since yesterday". This gives them the opportunity to relax and get comfortable for the beginning of class. This also allows me to determine if the students may have any concerns that could affect their learning abilities for that day. There are several other things that you can interpret from the daily Ice Breaker.
The human factor is extremely important in student retention. Students who are engaged by instructors and their human factor are far more likely to remain in class.
yes Gary- human factor- the connection is indeed important. It is even more critical in an on-line environment. Since there are no physical or "traditional" classrooms, everyone is in their "own rooms". when teaching online classes, I feel it is even more critical to draw in and engage the students.
Hi Ida,
Right you are. The human factor in teaching is so important. We need to keep that in mind each time we enter the classroom. The development of respect and rapport is critical if we are going to keep our students engaged and focused on learning.
Gary
The Human factor in retention is huge. When instructors reach out to the students, they feel important, respected, and valued. Subsequently, the students want to learn more and try harder in your class.
Each individual wants to be treated as an indiviual. Each student comes with their own special story, whuch consists of what kind of experience they previously had , their age, sex, their previous educational experience, and their expectations of themselves and their school. If these thgings are acknowledged students will feel they are cared for and are more likey to suceed.
Instructors must exhibit compassion for students while conveying realistic information regarding future course expectations. Instructors should take special measures to assist students and help them adjust to academic responsibility by doing the following:
• Motivating with positive reinforcement
• Encouraging development of writing skills
• Setting the standard for future academic expectations
• Maintaining a nurturing and productive learning environment in the classroom
Hi Alexander,
Thanks for sharing this great strategy with us. I believe you are right on when you mention that the student is more likely to answer the phone when it is from a friend. So by using one of their peers you are reaching out to a slipping student in a way that is low key and yet has high potential as the student calling encourages that student to get back into the flow of the class.
Gary
I cheat. I use peer networking to maintain contact with a slipping student. I ask the students in their immediate group to exchange cell phone/home phone numbers. When a student is late or absent I will ask a student in his/her group to phone him immediately to ask what's up. They are more likely to answer the phone when it is from their "friend".
I think people, our students, need to know that we respect them but have certain expectations too. I tell them that I am hard but not heartless. They need to know that we are human too. I always emphasize that I am fair above all and that I will listen to them and work with them so they can succeed in my class. I make myself available as much as possible.
Hi Jacob,
Students need instructors to help them "connect the dots" between what they are studying and how it will impact their career development. You make a good point about how it needs to be ongoing so they can see how they are progressing toward their goals.
Gary
Hello, It is very important. As instructors we have to remember that our student have lives & commitments besides school. we have to be empathetic when a student has personal challenges besides school.
In order to retain students, the instructor needs to continually give the students not just motivatin but reasons to continue attending that particular class. This extends to all the instructors in that teaching location. When the students find reasons to go to the majority of the classes that they are enrolled in, they will continue attending that teaching location. Ultimately they will tell others how valuable that teaching location is to their learning and career goals - business will increase from "word of mouth!"
The human factor is extremely inportant in regards to retention. Student must feel as if you care about them and their education. They want to know that you are human and not a robot who just goes through the motions with no compassion or empathy.
Hi Stacy,
Thank you for sharing this introduction strategy. It is a good way to learn about the students and get them settled into the course. I am sure this strategy will be of benefit to many other instructors as well.
Gary
