William,
This is a very important point that needs to be remembered each time we start a new course. Many of our students have been out of school a long time and were not very successful when in school. As a result they are very nervous about coming back to school and being successful. They need our support and understanding as we help them get settled into the course.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is a big factor, often are students feel displaced or uneasy about returning to school where they may have been unsuccessful in the past. We need to help them improve their own perception by developing good professional and studying skills.They need to see how succesful they now can be.
Michael,
So important to keeping students in school. Knowing you care helps motivate them to continue in school when life challenges seem to overwhelm them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You need to make each and every student know that you care. Not only that they attend class every day or night, but their grades and success after they graduate.
A caring and supportive attitude is necessary. Listening skills should be utilized. Students may not want to come to class if they feel that there is no support with their career aspirations.
I try to make class a pleasant place to be...a positive learning environment they are excited to attend. I have several students with serious personal problems outside the classroom. While their personal issues aren't ignored if they feel the need to talk, we as a class unit also provide encouragement (and then needed distractions) and I refer to other departments like student services, as necessary. Our career school has been described as a "family environment" which seems to be important to students to have a sense of belonging, especially if they don't have this in other areas of their lives.
Edward,
Thank you for sharing this story. This is what teaching is all about. You are impacting the lives and futures of your students for years to come.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Terry,
This connection is very important. They need to see that all instructors are former students themselves. We have all set where they are setting. That is how we got to the point we are instructors. We do understand their situations and that we are there to help them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have had the fortunate experience of a potential dropout personally admitting to me they "were giving it the good old college try." They stated that my personal perseverance inspired them to stick with it. I felt that they had it within them to do the work but there was not a real connection to their accomplishment. By caring about their success and being fair with their opportunity to go forward they grasped that leap of faith.
Students, especially the younger, tend to look at me as the Instructor and think that I have it made. It helps them when I inform them that I have faced many of the same difficulties they are presently dealing with.
Ladansa,
Yes, it is. The students need to see the connection between the course content and their future. When they do they strive for success at a much higher level.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It's very important. If you keep the student envolved that will want to come back and learn more. Even if its a course that they have experience with. For example: Word Processing.
Nancy,
This is sad to think of but for a number of my students true as well. During their time in my class they are at least safe and respected by someone. In addition, I am helping them make progress toward their career goals and for me this is an awesome responsibility.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have come across students who have only school in their lives to look forward to. I feel I owe it to them to make class lively and rewarding each and every day.
Relating the human factor in your teaching helps the student to realize that you are human too and may understand the problems that they are going through. Many people need to know that their instructors understand the situations that they themselves have gone through and can relate. Humanizing the teaching process inspires trust and allows for a less hostile working environment.
Richard
It is very important that you view your students as humans, and that they view you as a human as well. Students will feel for comfortable in the classroom if they feel respected and treated fairly. Also, it is easier for students to communicate with an instructor when they view them as a human being as well. Usually on the first day of class I try to get to know my students by having them tell a little about themselves, as well as me telling a little about myself. This makes everyone more comfortable with eachother and takes away some of the anxiety from the first day. It helps the class to loosen up and be more comfortable in their learning environment.
I teach career professionals who are very focused on learning the process. As you said, it really makes the class exciting to present because everyone is very motivated. Group dynamics also helps those who may not be as motivated when they get to class, but they certain are after attending and interfacing with their peers.
Phil,
This is what makes teaching fun. Having motivated enthusiastic learners makes each class a joy to lead.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Kara,
Yes, they will. We all like knowing that someone is supporting us and cares about our success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find most of my students are highly motivated to learn the subject because it is directly related to their career. Once they understand that, my job then is to provide encouragement and positive feedback to the student.
