Hi Jennifer,
I also make it a point daily to have small talk with all of my students. Students enjoy it and feel a sense of importance whenever the instructor interacts with them.
Patricia
I believe it is important to get all students involved. By interacting with the class as a whole and individually you are showing them that you care and are interested in them. This will promote more participation from all and help meet your goal of teaching.
To have an understanding of how they learn, their motivation, why they choose this career path.
I like for my students to understand that I am a person just like them. I let them know that I was in some of their same situations at one time. I try to relate to them and help them see the brighter side of things. I feel that interacting with my students and getting to know each other can help ease some of their anxiety. My students respect my position in the classroom. They know what to expect from me as they know what I expect from each of them. I stress from day 1 that communication is the key to a successful learning environment.
Working with smaller classes, it is easier to have a comment or question for each student during the class, as well as calling on them by name.
Hi Douglas,
Interaction certainly is a must. We need to get to know our students as much as possible so that we can provide adequate help.
Patricia
Interaction can only lead to better focus amoungest the students. Being able to discuss the topic with each student in there own way will show you how each student is learning and how to best to help each student. I find that working with each student in class shows me how to use my skills to help each student.Every students needs to be helped in some way. So his to me is a must.
Hi Kari,
It certainly is rewarding to be a teacher. We always give our students a shoulder to cry on. I listened to many students personal problems over my 21 years of teaching.
Patricia
It is important to measure how well the students are learning and interaction is a method by which you can determine if your points are connecting wiht them.
It a way to learn about the students and how they think. This will enable the instructor adjust the educational vehicle to best serve the stuents the best way.
Instructors must create opportunities to interact with students to ensure that they know that they are a vital member of the class. Especially in career colleges, students seek an atmosphere in which they are comfortable & have a feeling that are part of a group. When teaching small classes, I make a point to let the class know that each of them is part of the "classroom team."
Hi Cindy,
Whenever you interact with your students, your students seem to be much more comfortable in communicating with you. Your students get a feel that you are approachable.
Patricia
I think it is VITAL that students feel you really care. Of course, it is important to make sure students and instructors don't cross the line to becoming friends and hanging out after hours. There is a healthy middle ground--keep your care and interest about their success in their learning and focus on how you can best direct them from that point of view. You can't always get involved in their daily problems of life, but if they feel they can talk to you, that is a great line of communication to keep open. That is one of the most rewarding things about being a teacher!
I agree the students really need to see and know that you care and that is what a professional needs to do.
Computer labs are especially challenging. I try to move past each student at their computer and comment on what they are working through. Also, when give comments on graded materials.
Hi Sherry,
Students need to know that they matter. Everyone wants to feel important, and it is our job to let our students know that we truly care about them as a person and their success.
Patricia
Hi Christina,
It is important to build a rapport with your students to let them know that they matter.
Patricia
Student engagement is critical because it lets them know that you are concerned with their progress in the course and, ultimately, their professional careers. It can help establish repoire, build confidence and increase student/teacher communication.
Students need to know that you care whether they are learning and if not, will you take the time to show them what they seem to be missing.
Hi Diana,
It is a partnership. The relationship can become stronger based on the amount of interaction from both parties. Small talk goes along way in a student/teacher relationship.
Patricia
Hi Kari,
Every student should feel that they matter. Make it a point to have small talk with every student each class meeting.
Patricia
