Cynthia,
Very good advice for instructors. We need to create the safe and fair environment for our students just as you have said. Without it we are going to lose even more students because they do not feel a part of the class or subject.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Charles,
Good point and one I really support. We need to show our human side in terms of working with students. Knowing we care provides tremendous support to students that are struggling and are ready to drop out.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
James,
I think this is a great way to wrap up a course. I imagine you get some great input into the "plays" as each student contributes his or her perspective. They will remember this activity for the remainder of their days.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I include a personal touch for the student on the last two cays of the course. I create the environment where they may take the information and experiences they have been given and creatively "play" with what they have learned. It is important that the students leave the course feeling confident that they are capable of bringing what they have learned into their own personal approach and achievement. This makes everything that they have grasped during the course their own, and not just a re-emphasis of the material.
I heard once that "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." I think this says it all. I think Christ always demonstrated how much He cared before He did anything - a great example to follow.
I think the human factor is very important, when I have had students drop from our program, I do ask why. Some drop due to personal issues and some feel they can't grasp the concepts or did not like the instructor. So creating a safe and fair environment in the classroom is important, instructors can accomplish this by not taking sides, by letting administration know of the situation so they can act as a mediator, and upholding classroom rules for every student.
Charles,
Well said and a good reminder for us all. We cannot forget the human factor in relation to working with students and helping them to achieve success as they work toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that the human factor is the most important factor in student retention. In the modern era, where the service industry is leading the way for business growth, the human factor is what distinguishes the elite organizations from those that are struggling to see positive growth. I believe that students have a strong desire to see "value" in their self-selected personal investment. The human factor is the underlying factor that drives customer lifetime value. Our students are our customers, and they deserve great service from their personal investment in their education.
Rachelle,
It is one of the essential elements for successful teaching. Thanks for making this point about it.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor in student retention is very important. Students should feel comfortable asking questions before, in and after class to the instructor and know that the instructor is going to give them the best answer possible in a timely manner.
Rebecca,
I like this approach because it helps to develop respect between them and yourself while also showing them that you have a personal and human side to being their instructor. Exchanging small talk about weather, sports,etc. helps to set the tone for the upcoming class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find it's very important. I follow the policy that it is OK to be friendly with your students but not cross the line of being "friends". I greet everyone at the start of class, ask how there day or weekend was and have open discussions before starting instruction for the day. I always incorporate real-life examples and stories from my experiences in the field as it bring reality and value to what I teach.
Brant,
Two very important factors to consider in working with students - respect and rapport. You are supporting your students as you earn their respect while showing them respect and this leads to the development of rapport. Once these two are in place then student engagement really starts to grow.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Kim,
This is true and something we need to always remember. Our connection and rapport with a student may be enough to keep him/her in school in spite of outside life challenges or a rough patch in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Christopher,
The human factor in teaching is very important. You are practicing it very well. Through your engagement and conversation with students you are keeping them focused on school while feeling good about the fact that they had a good visit with one of their instructors about sports, weather, kids, pets, etc..
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe that recognition of the human factor toward retention is very important. For acknowledging individuals regarding respect and self worth is a fundamental we all strive for in any enviroment.
It is often the human factor that keeps a student in class. If they have a positive connection with their instructors they might continue to come to class even in the wake of severe obstacles. Sometimes class is the only positive in the students lifes.
Very Important,
I even recall when I went back to/started school. I was a non-traditional student...a little older than all of my classmates. Now, I am teaching non-traditional students. Because of this perspective, I am reminded of what interaction I would have wanted with my instructors and administrators and make a solid effort to meet those needs. I walk the halls often, I relate in terms of sports teams, or geography. I always try to find something non-threatening and easy to talk about. I learned this in healthcare. Taking an interest in their children also works if they have kids. You must be careful though to keep the discussion professional though.
It is very important to be professional at all times but at the same time having compassion and understanding.
Philip,
Good point. For a least a little while they are in a safe and supportive environment that holds a promise of a future for them. As a result maybe they can have some success and start to build a future for themselves rather than being sucked down into the failure hole.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
