It is extremely important. I let my student know in day one that I will treat them with respect. I tell them that as leaders in their field they should learn to treat their subordinates with respect and act in humility. If you are humble and can treat people with respect than I think they will be much more willing to follow you into the heat of battle than if you are a yelling, dictatorial type.
The Human Factor is the key to all we do as educators. Each student must be made to feel welcome and supported in the classes taught. Each student brings a variety of background skills and expectations to each class. A good instructor learns from the students how to best approach each individiual learner.
As instructors we need to empathize with our students and treat them not only as professional students but understand that personal issues can affect a student as well. Life gets in the way and can really get students depressed and withdraw from their learning experience. If they have numerous personal issues, they will withdraw completely from the course or even school. I find that even the worst grade achieving students need to receive positive feedback or they become discouraged and drop. The human factor is extremely important.
Hi Melanie,
I really like this approach in developing rapport with your students. The personal interest of an authority figure is very important to students. For the older students they see a person that cares about their success and will help them achieve their career goals. For the younger students the instructor is someone that be a source of networking and career development. No matter the age of students nor their experiences both groups like to know they are accepted into the class and have an instructor with whom they can talk and share ideas.
Gary
One of the things that I do on the first day of class is to stress how important it is for students to keep me informed of what's going on with them. I let them know right away that I care and can help them succeed in the course; however, I can't fully do that if I don't know what's going on.
I also try to make sure to talk to them about topics outside of the regular course content. I do this with students who arrive early as well as during individual conferences I have with each student throughout the quarter. I think it helps the student to know that I'm interested in them. If they feel comfortable with me and know that I care about them as a person and not just a student, it makes it easier for them to ask for help throughout the quarter. It also helps them stay motivated to remain in class.
I find that students of all ages need to know that the instructor cares about them and their success.
That's a good idea. I, too, have that difficulty (it comes with age).
the human factor, when students feel that you care, all barriers, walls, etc. come tumbling down.I look into their eyes and tell them I can help them with anything that comes along,and if I cannot I will find someone who can help. I also tell them their education is important,you must stay engaged in this learning process,you cannot just mark time.IT IS IMPERITIVE, I tell them that they see this obligation through.I show them I care by the way I lead them through the courses I teach.
Hi Gary,
You have captured the essence of why the human factor is so important. The learning of that many names is a real challenge in such a short time frame. That is why it is good you took the Andrew wait a minute Dale Carnegie course so you can remember names better. You may not remember where you parked your car but you do remember names.
Gary
It is arguably the most important factor. Students of any age need to feel that they are important and that their thoughts and opinions are valued and relevant to their career development; also, they need to feel that the person leading them in this educational journey (i.e. the instructor) is a real person just like them, with the same questions, feelings, and concerns for full educational development.
The human factor in student retention is key. Each student needs to know that they are valued, that their teacher cares if they are there and that the teacher is vested in their success. Students can overcome a lot of personal problems, and thus remain in school, if they feel they are being supported in their school environment. When they know that their teacher is on their side school is a plesant place to be.
The "Human Factor" is a very important and essential part of our contact with the students. They are certainly "repeat" customers for the services we provide and as such are highly valued. Even after they have moved on, WOM regarding various instructors is very important to the next group of students.
I would list the perception (as well as the reality) of being fair and caring as a top priority in the area.
While learning and using all of the student names is important, it does take me time to associate 60-100 new names with the faces. I am much better at it since I took that Andrew carnegie course....or was it Dale??? Anyway, background and experience also take a little time and since we turn the classes of students over every six weeks, that can be very challenging as well.
Hi Frank,
Right you are about keeping the class interesting and active. What are some strategies that you use to accomplish these two things?
Thanks.
Gary
The human factor is very important.
I teach adult learners online. Many of them have personal issues in their lives. That is especially true during this economic crisis. Many of them are unemployed, or have a spouse that has lost their job. In short, they are stressed.
Knowing that it is difficult to work under emotionally stressful circumstance from my own experiences, I do my best to make them welcome and at ease in the class. I greet students by name at the beginning of the class. If there is time before the class begins, I will chat with them.
Students can tell if you care. It is apparent in everything you do in the classroom. Students will work much harder for a teacher who cares about them than one who does not.
retention of adult students can be accomplished by keeping your class as intresting and active as possible .
The human factor is the most important factor of communication to adult learners. They need to know that an instructor truly cares and understands what they need to succeed. The instructors experience in the field will help the student see the reasoning to performing specific task, more over it is the way the instructor encourages the student and corrects them with out being negative.
Hi Peter,
A relaxed and open class is comfortable for everyone and helps to get the students settled in for the upcoming instruction. Humor is a major part of helping this to happen.
Gary
i always call students by there first name and during the class ask how everything is going in school. also if they have a family i ask how they are doing. i do like to tell them jokes and try to make the class fun
Hi Sara,
What an excellent way of summing up what being a compassionate instructor is all about. Glad that you have such individuals in your background so you know the impact they had on your success. This is reflected in how you approach your students and provide them with support while maintaining the standards of the field.
Gary
