As Educators
I feel that as an educator it is my responsibility to keep the students here and interested. As i say they sign my paycheck each week and without them I have no pay. Also it is gratifying to have one of the students come up to you at the end of a phase and thank you for what you have given them. It is even better when a parent thanks you. So how do we keep them in class, remind them why they are here they had a dream, give them the best possible learning experience you can. But above all of that show them that you actually care about their present and their future.
This generation of students seems to be more likely than their predecessors to ask why do we need to know this. They should be receptive to the taking that idea to a higher level and relating the immediate task to their long term objectives.
I agree with everything you've said,but I also try to use the WIIFM theme(what's in it for me)with my students.I discuss what benefits they can expect to receive if they successfully complete the course versus the differences of being unsuccesful.We discuss both immediate(short term) and career(long term)benefits.This allows them to set their own reasons for being successful and helps them to self-motivate themselves to obtain the goals they desire.Timely reminders help the students stay on track.
Mr.Burke you are absolutely right! I try to do everything in my power to educate my students for the field.They came to this school to learn a skill that they want to achieve, and one day master. I try to remind them everyday why they are here and why they chose this occupation.Like me, I want them to wake up every day and look foreward to going to work.
Instructors can set clear expectations, for not only the course at the school but life as it pertains to career, their future and solutions to challenges as they come up. Instructors can also keep lines of communication open with the students, so that students may be willing to share any challenges as they come up, then help the students by equipping them with the proper support tools.
As instructors we have a responsibility to show interest in each student from day one. My first goal is learning each students name and pronouncing it correctly within the first few days.Making eye contact and soliciting feedback during lectures and adapting to each students learning abilities show students you care about their learning experience. I try to get students to work with me in class and in the lab and always feel connected.
