If I had to, I would say, the Human factor in certain situations is the most important factor. I've seen students on the brink of quitting and all it took to change their mind was an ear to listen to them. Its the little things for some students, the human factor is part of the overall process I think.
In helping students who are economically and socially stressed, it is very important to understand and support them. I also encourage students to be their own support system. Just by forming "study" groups can lead to support groups. This in turn helps all of them to help each other collectively as well as boost their own individual effort to reach their goals.
I like to keep a light-hearted and fun environment in the classroom, although the class rules are adhered to. I will often tell the class amusing anecdotes that either myself or a colleague has experienced that is relevant to what we are covering in class.
I have always had the best results with my classes when I know everyone by name. I have been amazed at how keeping my students accountable for their work on a somewhat personal level rather than a class accountability level has kept my students very engaged. I rate the human factor as 80% of getting students to retain what is being taught in class.
Heidi,
Right you are. We are in the helping business. We are helping our students move closer to their career goals which in turn impacts their future. They need to know we care about them and their success.
Gary
Treating students like "numbers" is cold and does not incorporate the human factor at all. Students needs to feel cared about, and listened to. If students don't feel "heard" they will shut down and no longer be interested in the program. We are all human and it is important to feel respected.
Hi Twyler, this post put a smile on my face :) I do agree that a small gesture of kindness can make a world of difference.
Adult learners have the added stresses of work and family life, in addition to school work, and the feeling that their professors genuinely care about them is such an energizing and motivating factor.
People can be affected profoundly, for the rest of their lives, by a single sentence or gesture of true empathy and understanding.
Jeremy Bolton
The human factor, in my opinion, is very likely the *most* important factor in student retention. It is true that skills such as discipline, effective time management, persistence, and dedication are priceless in school. However, the key to achieving ALL of these is motivating students to do their best. I have found that the most effective way to motivate students is to always demonstrate kindness, humanity, and humor.
For many students, it is difficult to get excited about a subject that they have difficulty with. For instance, in my math classes students often come in overwhelmed with fear and dread. I always strive to create an atmosphere that is both understanding and firm, so that students feel supported on their journey but also challenged to do their best. Students want to feel that their teachers care about them, so it is important to always effectively express this sentiment.
As educators, we of course genuinely care very much about the success of our students, but it is important to effectively *express* this concern so that students really feel it. Additionally, students need to feel that they are expected to do their best. As studies have shown, when students are expected to perform well, they do much better than if expectations have been set at a low level.
Additionally, students want to feel that their instructor truly feels excited by the material he or she is teaching. As instructors, we set the stage for how a subject is perceived by our learners. If we ourselves do not show a genuine curiosity and desire to learn, we cannot expect our students to do so. As much as it has been set before, the best way to inspire students is to set an example by being inspired by new knowledge ourselves.
Jeremy Bolton
Thanks Gary. Instructors are tempted by their knowledge to be teacher-centered versus learner-centered. I found classes easier to manage when they are learner-centered.
Curtis,
Well said. I like the way your scale works because you are correct. It is essential to demonstrate the human factor in the learning process.
Gary
On a scale of 1 - 10, ten being most important, the human factor is a 15. Content out of context yields nothing. Class content and activity must be sensitive to and cognizant of the fact that students are living, breathing, feeling, thinking beings.
Jeff,
Great quote and one we need to remind ourselves of often. We need to let our students know that we are there to support their learning and success. Once they know this they will become engaged at a much higher level.
Gary
A famous educator once said, "Students don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." That best describes the human factor involved in retention. As a teacher and former administrator, it is not surprising to discover that the most effective teachers were not necessarily the most scholarly individuals, but the ones who made a "connection" with their students. If the students know that their teacher truly cares about them, they will do almost anything not to disappoint him/her---including performing in that subject area. I always arrive early to class and greet each of my students as they enter the classroom. Not only does this convey the message that I care about each student as an individual, but also allows me to interpret what frame of mind each student is in based on their response or non-response.
It is extremely important and can't be ignored, uless we teachers are instructing machines. Being fair and caring will go a long way with the student and enhance the learning and is the key to retention.
Lydia,
Great way to set your students at ease and make them feel welcome. I know by the time class starts the students are settled in and ready to learn.
Gary
It would be difficult to retain students without the human factor. Productivity would also certainly deteriorate considerably without the human factor. Students are, after all, humans.
I make a point every day in my class to greet my students, ask them about their day ,or if I am aware of a problem they are facing ,ask them how is everything going. I know their names and ask them if they preffered be called a different way.I make myself available to them and they all know that they can reach for my help at various times within reasonable timimg.I make sure they know and realize I am caring and fair ,but that being caring doesn't mean that they cam manipulate their way out of doing what is expected of them. I really think that all this work in creating raport is a big step in having a succesfull class and willing participants in the lectures.
Janell,
Good point about providing understanding and student support. These students are facing some very serious life issues that can cause them to tip either way. They need encouragement so they will tip toward finishing their schooling rather than dropping out.
Gary
Must remember that humans like the familiar and are often uncomfortable with change. It is important that the instructor has clear objectives that have clarity. The instructor must understand the importance of developing rapport with the students. This can happen if the instructor is willing to share personal experiences, admit when uncertain about a question,utilize good listening skills. Its also important to be open to new ideas, tolerate others point of view and not be judgemental. The most important task is to let your students know you want them to succeed in your class and in their career field.
I like what you said Anne. As instructors we do need to get acquainted and remember certain characteristics about our students. The more we remember, the more they feel as though we are there for them to succeed and excel.
