I find myself relating to the students better now than I had in the past. If I have students who are multi-tasking with work and family and school I can relate to being busy. I try to gear my assignments to that and do as much learning as we can in class.
It gets tricky however because I teach a hybrid class which is part in class and part online. So they are required to put a fair amount of time in outside of class.
Can there be an absence of "the human factor" when two or more humans inteact?
Very . the students are all different and ned to be handle on a one on one aproach to make them fit into the group . If not made comfortable they won't buy into what you are presenting and where it is going.
Hi Denise,
Another benefit that comes out of the "human factor" is the development of relationships with students. You get to serve as a model, mentor and reference for your students. They become part of a legacy you create as a result of helping to education the next generation of workers in your career field.
Gary
This factor is more important than I often think. I forgot how it feels to have multiple stressers AND
also be back in school--the least little thing can encourage or discourage a student. This has reminded me to be more aware of what I say and how I say it.
I have determined recently that getting to know your students in the career college setting and reaching out to them is important not only in their retention but also in their performance in my class. This is a little new to me since I previously taught at larger institutions and no faculty mentors had mentioned the "human factor" while teaching students.
Without the human factor, students will not feel a bond of any sort with the school or instructor.
It is very important that as instructors that we find a way to acknowledge our incoming students, commit their names to memory - and get to know them as soon as possible.
Our students have rich life and work experiences that can add to our class lectures, and I try to integrate that into the class where possible.
Students must feel that instructors value them as individuals and are not "another name" on the roster.
It is important touch base with students who are absent or who are having difficulties in class in order to assist them if necessary.
Knowing your students will allow you to encourage them in a more personal manner. For example, if a student's goal is obtain a better paying job to support their small children, then we can remind them that although things might be a "little crazy" at home during school, eventually, it will get better.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for sharing this example of when someone cares about you success can be achieved. By taking the time to encourage and support your friend he was able to regroup and get back into college. He has the opportunity to have a successful career as a result of your input. Keep up the good work.
Gary
The human factor is very important. If students feel the instructor cares and is truly interested in their learning they will be motivate to work harder to succeed to earn their recognition. If students feel the instructor doesn't care they will show much less interest in their work. They will see it as just going through the paces. And the result will be lower performance in the class and perhaps even quieting.
I have actually seen this with a friend of my who is physically disabled. He felt the instructor simply didn't care if he learned or not and as a result became discouraged and dropped out of school. I really had to work with him to give college a second chance. He is now back in school and working towards his degree.
Hi Joseph,
You make a good point about the "human factor". Knowing someone cares about their success helps to inspire students to keep up their efforts.
Gary
When I have students for a long period of time (more than 1 day) I make a concerted effort to get to know what activities the students have outside of class. I feel if I can get to know the students and they get to know me we can establish a line of communication which will make teaching more effective. When I am a student and I don't think the instructor cares about me as a person, it is very easy to dismiss what the instructor is saying.
I have learned in teaching both online and on-campus classes that "the human factor" is essential in keeping student's confidence levels high and keeping them interested and coming back for more. It is incredibly challenging, at times, as many students will not come to class, missing the opportunity for that personal rapport with their fellow students and instructor. Those that show up or participate can be given personal attention and be addressed by name and encouraged and inspired to do their best work, or at least try on a regular basis. Encouragement and support, be it in the online discussions or the traditional classroom lecture/lab setting, increases the potential for capturing a student's interest and building their confidence with one-on-one and peer-group success.
Hi Cheryl,
Good way of letting your students become active learners while shaping how the content is going to flow. As long you are in charge of the learning environment you can let your students help to shape how the course will be delivered.
Gary
Cheryl, I miss this element now that I only teach online.
I've never liked lecturing. I don't like being the center of attention for a long period of time and don't like gazing out and seeing the rolling eyeballs of boredom. My classes consist of a combination of group exercises, discussion and computer lab work. I think it makes the class more interesting and the students more involved.
I like giving students the opportunity to shape the direction the course takes (of course, based on the goals of the class for the day) Sometimes, I struggle with them taking too much control and distracting the class. But, I sure learn where they are at and what they think!!!!
Hi Ramon,
Thank you for these good comments about the importance of developing rapport with students. Rapport helps to keep the students motivated and engaged in the learning process. When students have a relationship with the instructor and knows he/she cares they increase their effort to be successful.
Gary
Yes, I always acknowledge that I like to teach the way I like to learn but that I am working to include other styles too
I believe in human factor it is very important to me and the students to be recognized as an individual.
Hi Gary,
The most impotant thing is knowing the students' names on the first day of class, this might be difficult if it's a large class and the students' faces look similar, but after years of practice, it has become easier for me. I also spend valuable time on introducing myself as the instructor and every student in the class is given his/ her time to introduce themselves and inform the class why they have chosen to be part of the class. I also explain the whole course to the students and my participation in the whole scheme to assist them in achieving their goals, to complete the course and be successful in their later careers, for that's really why they are in my class. If an instructor continues to motivate
his/her students, the rapport will always be there
for as long as a student knows that everything you're doing in the class is for their success.
I'm talking about genuine rapport here, wherein a student will continue to consider you their mentor even the course is over and they continue to seek your advise.
