Change of attitude from high school to college mentality
I teach a lot of 18,19, and early 20 somethings, most of which have not gone to college elsewhere. I can tell that a lot of the problematic students still think they are in high school, and act like I am an authority figure they must deal with - instead of an expert in a place they have chosen to be. Anyone have any tips on this one?
Thanks!
Brian
I work at a college that has a high number of students the same age. Many come from familes that did not have another individual attend college. I try to set the stage where I encourage dialogue. On the first day of class I get everyone to tell them a little about themselves and ask them what is a challenge they see coming to school. This can also be done in an online discussion. It gives me a better understanding of the fears/apprehensios our students have and also give them the knowledge that they are not alone.
During the semester I have time where I am directing the conversation (typically standing) but at time when they are in groups I will walk around and sit next to group so they can feel free to speak their mind about topic and I can expand on what they are telling me without 'being the authority figure'.
I look forward to the replies on this subject matter, for I instruct those challenging students as well.
I do agree with working on a problem that is relevant to what the students are working with at the moment - it puts emphasis on why they are learning the subjects at hand.
Chris
Hi Erica,
You will get more from students when you are not thought of as there old mean teacher. Keep professionalism in the mix, but show empathy and sympathy!
Patricia Scales
An administrator at the design school at which I am faculty made an excellent point to me: a lot of these students are not only experiencing a culture shock in the transition from high school to college level expectations, but are dealing with living on their own, paying bills, buying and cooking food, running errands- all those things they never had to do while living at home. It's overwhelming to them.
I tell them on the first day of class to think of me as their art director. In their minds, it positions me as a collaborator who is one or two levels above them in a work environment, as opposed to a mean teacher who can't possibly understand them. I usually end up with easy communication and eager work from them right off the bat.
Perhaps you can position your classroom as a work environment to really emphasize the shift in the level of expectations?
I teach at a career focused college with students ranging in age from 18 to 40-something. I've found the younger students tend to need a little more help with finding the relevancy of the topic at hand.
A great way to get past this is to showcase a problem one of your students personally wants to solve and use your expert knowledge to find the answer.
This works for some students but I'm still having issues with the ones who are so out of it that this method of connection isn't possible for them. Any thoughts on that?
Hi Brian,
Enforce your conduct code and have higher authority backing.
Patricia Scales
