It starts with me
I feel that when the students are in the class, if they are going to stay and learn from me I have to let them know I care. One on one, person to person I want them to have the chance to get their dream job.
I chose to teach. When you make a decision to do something because you feel that you can make a difference in a student's life, the best reward is to make it happen.
Being committed to success for each student must be your daily objective.
Ned
Do you talk about some of these apprehensions in the classroom? Some apprehensions are rather common and it may be a great way to build a bond with the new students while putting them at ease.
I could not agree more. I have a lot of experience in the field I worked in. I can help from day one with this knowledge to help with the students apprehensions of what to expect in the field. These are the small things not taught but needed, that can drive a good student away.
It starts on day one. Student’s need a clear set of expectations and hold them accountable for them. Some are very used to getting their way, but deep down love to be held accountable though they may grumble at first
Most of my students they come to me to say thank you for calling them the day they were absent. They really feel that I care.
It is also very important that students have the ability to get answer in a timelt manner from personel who are outhorized to make decision will be graety help for students to achieve their goal
I agree that the instructors attitude affects the class mood. I am new to instructing in my field and when I first started I definetely had a time when I was not sure if I had made the right choice but now I am comfortable as an instructor and I can see that my enjoyment of passing on the knowledge I have affects the class and makes for a great environment for them to learn and enjoy doing it.
And we all need to be "me".
And the opposite is also true. If you are unhappy and negative, it will come through in the classroom. Personal problems and stresses can be a problem for staff and faculty, just like students.
Does your institution have resources available to employees to help mitigate these type issues and keep their impact out of the classroom?
I agree. Its starts with being excited about the subject you teach. If you are truely happy with who you are and what you do...It will reflect in the classroom
When instructors take an interest into the students there is a correlation that students feel more confident and relaxed; their education and they matter. I have found that if I just know a small bit of each of my students it shows I am interested in them as people and can have conversations with them so the students know I do care. Something as small as knowing their names by the end of the first week, lets students know that I care they are there.
Setting the "tone" may mean many different things. What are you trying to establish with the new students and how do you know if you are effective?
I totally agree Jeff and I would add that it starts on or maybe even before day one with a welcome letter or packet (online environment. Setting expectations and the "tone" or feel of the class is essential for getting off on the right foot.
Is this a chronic problem with your students or an isolated situation? Do you remind the class routinely about the procedure? If so, how?
students are explained on day one that if they miss a day of class they have a responsibility to ask for what they have missed.. I believe its important not to chase students around and constantly remind them they have Labs to make up or class tests they missed. Once they do take the first step to find out what they have missed I praise them and thank them for taking the initiative, to find out what they have missed and making up their labs. once they show the care and responsibilty to I make them aware that I will do everything I can to get them all the information they missed.
I think we can go to far at times trying to get them to take responsibility for things they miss a actually push them into a position where they just wont bother just to rebell or show you up. then all is lost
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Good points, Siobhan. If the "pro" can't get excited about the subject, what does that tell the student about things to come?
Enthusiasm for the subject doesn't necessarily mean leading a pep rally, but it does mean being able to demonstrate your passion for the field.
It starts with me on day one through the simple conveyance of my passion for the subject. If you aren't excited, how can they be excited. Everyone should teach the subject they love.... this will only help each student.
What each student really wants is for someone to listen to them and understand how they feel and at least acknowledge their concerns. Appreciation is the key and is what they are looking for.
I believe you should treat each student as if they are the only student you have. This helps me form a relation thats strong enough to cope with all feeling and problems as well as accedemically.
