students
most of the time it is the instructor or the way they deliver the material. As instructors we have to engage students, and sometimes get out of our comfort zones, and use technology etc.
Hi Jay,
I deal with the same type of students. I do everything I can to make these students feel very accepting. I look at these students as diamonds in the rough. They simply need guidance and encouragement. I take them under my wings and try to mold them into professionals.
Patricia
Hi Rachel,
It takes a different approach to dealing with nontraditional students. We need to let them know that we are personable, approachable, and down-to-earth. Nontraditional students do not particularly care for instuctors who think that they are better than them. We should never make our students feel that we look down on them; we just choose a different avenue to take in life. We are all people.
Patricia
I completely agree that taking a down-to-earth approach when teaching nonconventional students really puts them at ease. I teach a subject at a trade school that is not always received well by the student population as a worthwhile requirement. However, when I tell my students about my industry-related experiences and tell them that I am always learning new things *they love to stump me in my content area* it makes them feel like I'm not just playing the "sage on the stage" role and can actually relate to them, and that I make human errors.
Many of our students are nontradional students and it can be difficlut to relate to them. Some of them come from tough socio-economic backgounds. When I begin a new term I always introduce myself and tell them of my background and qualifications that I have to teach them. I set a goal for the term and spell out what we will be doing. In order to keep their attention I use a lot of self deprecating humor. I laugh at my own lame jokes. I make fun of the fact that I supposedly am not as up on current technology and music as they are (when in fact, I am). I also walk around and observe what they are doing (I teach court reporting). They are assured with my knowledge of the subject matter. Most importantly, I look them straight in the eye and tell them that I will do everything I can to help them succeed in the class. They know that I am being sincere, and they give me their attention and off we go.
