Sounds like you have a great system in place John. These methods probably help students stay organized and know what to expect about time they'll need to put in.
Getting task done in a timely manner not waiting until the last minute an then running into hidden problems.This is not only students problems but instructors also.By giving needed help to them and showing how it will take some stress off of them will usually help.
I give a very small time management at the start of the course. I make a syllabus providing what will be taking place the next three weeks, what the labs are and point value, names of the test that will be taken and how many questions. To reduce some of the challenges would be to offer small class on how to study for this course, to be done after class time.
Yes, students often have a challenge calculating the amount of time it takes to complete tasks. Setting their expectations as well as giving them the experience they need is key.
The number one thing that i see is that they come to a task and it takes longer then they expected I can coach them on this to get all there facts before they start EX:tools parts jacks jack stands they need to be set up to suseed
The prioritization of social activities can be a real problem for students these days Kenneth. Refocusing students back to school or at least helping them balance priorities is key.
I see students working hard at balancing school, work, and social life and social life for some trumps all and that’s where the get in trouble with attendance and studying.
Sounds like you are taking the right approach Bob. It is hard for students to balance work and school, but students often need to work to have enough for tuition. Anything you can do to help them find balance between the two can positively impact their grades and what they can do once they graduate. Sometimes you need to focus on the job you want and not the job you have.
Students that are coming to school and have a full time job. This limits their time spent to put forth an extra effort in school and affects their grades. This tends to stress them out and most see no solution to the problem. I suggest to them that even though it is necessary for them to work, that free time is equally important. Most have no idea how to balance their time between work and school to allow for this, so I try to make suggestions on how they can do it and even suggest things that they might do to relax and unwind.
Yes, students often struggle with prioritization. Helping them focus on what's most important while in class is key. Often, the best way to do this is to remind them of the outcomes. "If you focus now, here's where you will end up in the future. If you don't, there are alternatives."
Priorities, is the number 1 issue. They don't understand that while at school that should be their number 1 priority. If they got that then they could put just about everything second (family is the only one that could top this). They are here for a short time to learn a new job skill & they don't put it first they are more than likely wasting their time. Once they organize their time to school first mentallity, they can fit in everything else around that.
I like the idea of asking students to map out priorities for the week Gina. That's a great way to help them learn how to set goals and achieve them.
That's a great point Lyle. I think it's important to remind students of the end-game. It's not about getting a good grade. It's about successfully entering the workforce and capitalizing on great opportunities once there.
The issue I most often see is the students not properly prioritizing their tasks. Since for a majority of our students this is their first time really on their own they often start to do poorly on tests and arrive late and tired to class. What I coach them to do is realize that what they chose to do outside of class can and usually does affect their success here. By making them aware of the great opportunities that our available to them if they can graduate it can help them refocus on what is really important presently so they can enjoy a great future.
I think these basic, old school methods of learning have been largely passed over in favor of less rigorous, feel good approaches. These newer ways of approaching lesson plans may work for some, but as we all know, every student learns differently. Getting students to realize the importance of their education can be challenging, especially if they have not yet developed effective study habits and time management skills. Great idea, bringing back the SQ3R. Also, having the students map out priorities for the week and sticking to their assignment goals can give them a visual/actual component to their time management challenges.
That sounds like a great method Charles. Sometimes our students learn best by examples. We can come off as too preachy when we tell them what to do with no context about why.
From the first day in SOP's and through out the rest of the course I try to teach the idea of balance and priority. Since I am old enough to be the grandfather of most of my students, I some time use examples of mistakes that I've made in my life to show the results of ignoring priorties or not balancing personal life with the job or education. I try to do this as an interesting story rather than from a soapbox. I think in a lot of cases it sinks in.
Chuck Peters
How to prioritize their life. Set timely gaols
It sounds like you are doing what you can to keep good structure and student interest high Gregory. I know it's a challenge. Really like the WIFM acronym. I think as instructors we really have to keep that in mind.
This is true Dean. Sometimes when students are not paying for their school attendance, they value the experience less. I find that these are often the ones who don't show up on time or sometimes at all. It always surprises me though when I meet a student who is paying their own way but still exhibits these behaviors.
