Student Services is a great 'department' to address some of the economic issues that some students have to deal with on a daily basis. the College Algebra class is difficult at times to show the relevance to real life but a project I sometimes have students reseasrch concerning interest costs of a mortgage(or any loan) can make more sense to students than constant book-work
Bart,
You make a very key point and that is the value that students associate with the course. They need to see that they are getting ROI for the time and effort they are investing. If they don't they will be gone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Hello Bart,
I read your statement and completely agree with this. I have seen the adult learners see their classroom time from this view point but unfortunately my students which are fresh from high school have very different view.
Students need to feel that the time they are spending in the class is meaningful and of value. Time is a precious commodity that can not be regained once spent. Therefore it is the responsibility of the instructor to ensure the time students spend in the class is of value to them.
Maksuda,
Adult students that have been out of the classroom for a number of years especially need to see the human factor early in a course. By demonstrating that you care about them and their success you send a powerful message that says you are their learning leader and you will be there for them. Many of us have gone through what they are going through and they need to know this. We really do understand the challenges they are facing and as a result we will be there for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think the human factor is very important in retention. I always get to class 10-15 minutes early just so I can talk to the students and see how they are doing. Before starting class I not only greet them but have them share a little bit about themselves, it could be something they learned, did or just found interesting. The human factor is something we as instructors can give, if the students wanted to be given information they can just read their textbooks. The students need the human factor.
Michael,
You make a good point because we can't reach them all. I am always sad when I lose a student that I have worked hard to keep. In the end it really does come down to an individual choice of staying in school or walking away. The good news is that for few that we lose there are so many that make it and return years later telling us about the successes they have had. This is what keeps us coming back to the classroom or lab.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It should be our goal everyday to provide the most supportive environment possible for these "at risk" adult students. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Either way we shouldn't let this discourage us.
Emily,
The display of the human factor by the instructor is essential for student engagement. The human factor is the foundation for two way development of respect and it is upon respect that rapport is built. This will increase not only physical retention but mental retention as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I know for myself, if I am a student in a course, that if I am treated with respect and am valued as a human participant in the course that I tend to enjoy the class so much more and am able to get more value out of the material covered. Because I'm sure that is a common feeling, it is so important to remember that as we teach our courses and interact with our students. If we are able to focus on the human side of our students through things such as: learning names, caring about each student's background, learning their work experience or career goals, helping them relate to the material, etc. we will be able to create a learning environment for them that they enjoy and feel a part of.
Andrea,
So true because they are the reason we are there. This is why student centered instruction has to be our primary goal.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Students need to know they are seen, heard, and are important in the classroom.
Very important. You have to let the student know that you understand. However you have to be firm and remind them of the commitment they made to the school and themselves.
Doreen,
Well said. We are who we are and we need to build on our strengths as we interact with our students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Brandon,
Good approach. Sometimes students forget they have chosen to attend their college and have chosen their field of study and have chosen this class to help them move closer to their career goals. So by making such choices they need to mentally see the value of what is being taught in relation to the tuition they are paying so they can have a future.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
you can't help but be human. we are not super heros we need time to reflect and grow. everyone is different in the time it takes to get where they are going, so you have to teach different to everyone
Class time should be one of the most understanding and question time for the students. This will allow the student the basic understanding of the subject so each student can take home and further their education and learn. I try to make the student understand that they should treat their time in the classroom like they would if it was a job. How well will each student be in succeeding at that job?
If you make it known to the student you want to teach the student or you want to help them, you will lure them into your class and they will want to learn.
Holli,
This is when the human factor in teaching becomes critical. The more they see their instructor and learning leader believing in them and their success the greater their engagement will be. You are doing a good job of helping them stay in the program and moving toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Mike,
Good way to get your older students involved while helping them to see the value of the content being shared. In classes set up like this the lectures are always a challenge but with strategies like those you are using you are getting them to invest not only in the lab time but the classroom time as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
