Thanks for the feedback, Eric.
1. Have the student work backward. What is it they want from the education?
2. Where do they see themselves down the road with this degree?
3. What are the qualities of individuals already working in the field with this degree?
Socratic inquiry works well too.
Eric,
What are some specific things you do to foster the development of this "willingness to do what it takes" in students that do not already come to with this attitude?
Most important is a willingness to do what it takes to accomplish their goals/tasks.
Karen,
Some students come to us with high levels of personal motivation and great study habits. I have had students duplicate the behavior you describe here.
What are some things you do specifically to help build study skills and increase motivation in students who do not have the same drive and skill as the student you described?
I think the successful students possess strong study habits. They truly see themselves in a successful career--and believe they can accomplish their goals.
One particular student comes to mind. She is extremely drive, and despite a difficult pregnancy--and eventual bedrest, she was able to complete her courses online for a term--and even had her husband call us from the hospital in order to notify her teachers that she couldn't log in for a day or two due to giving birth!
She truly believes in herself and the potential for an amazing future! Wow, if only we could bottle this combination!
HABE's that I see in my most successful students is their dedication to their work, and their study habits. These students I notice that even when they have the information, they still do more research to ensure they did not miss any potential information. Some of the students who are not as successful do not dedicate as much time to their school work. These students feel like seeing the information one time is enough.
One way is to get them to look at what they have accomplished in their life. I would help them see how they may have been using the HABEs elements and get them to apply this mindset to new adventures.
Thanks, Earl. What are some of the things you do to help students who start out making statements like "I'm going to fail" turn their attitudes into the successful ones you described?
A successful student comes to class everyday equiped with a mindset to learn and is engaged in the larning process. They complete assignments and actually read to text before class. Other students are inconsistent in their habits (studying, attendance, test perfdormance) and have a variety of excuses.
Their attitude is positive and they seek to gain something useful in every classroom experience. Other students might doubt that they can handle the workload while maintaining their family and job.
They believe that they will do well in the course and you tend to stand out from others in the class. Other student may display negativism in their mannerism and interaction with others.
They expect to receive good grades and definite believe that they will eventually graduate and obtain a job in their new career. They may make statements like "I'm going to failing this test,this course is too difficult, etc.)
Number one is the 'can do' attitude. This never fails the successful student. Most of the successful ones do not say 'I can't', they believe in themselves that they can do and have what it takes. I take pride in saying that we have these kinds of students and always weather the storm...no matter what!
Marliyn,
How do you develop these HABE's in the students that do not naturally pocess them?
My most successful students have good homework and practicing skills, have a great attitude about their chosen profession, believe they will make a lot of money in their chosen profession and expect to complete the course in a timely manner.
Good points, Lawrence.
I think it is important for teachers to know that some students just don't like to ask questions, or do not know what to ask. If the teacher takes the responsibility of asking the questions that the students should be asking, there is a chanece that even more students may be successful.
The students who are sucessful in our school are the ones who are asking the questions, believing in themselves, and are always on time.
Well said. I can absolutely affim your comments.
As I’ve previously stated I work both as a full time academic advisor and an adjunct professor. The student I see who are successful are the one who recognize that education is an essential part of achieving their dream and make their education an absolute priority in their life. They have habits of personal responsibility, they share the “can do†attitude, they believe in their potential (even if they are currently short on ability), and they expect school to be challenging but ultimately rewarding.
Recently I have encounter two students in my online classes who have demonstrated what it takes to be a successful student. Both students were late middle aged, non-traditional students. In both instances the students were the first in their families to attend college. One of these students had terminal throat cancer and the other student had her husband of 20 years pass away during the semester. In both instances I, as their instructor, was more than willing to be lenient with time constraints to help them through their traumatically difficult situations, and in both cases, the students would not take advantage of this. Both students had the desire to be successful without depending on the charity or pity of others.
These two students possessed all of the aforementioned HABE’s and were steadfastly determined to succeed. Conversely, I see daily examples of students who do not succeed. The students that do not succeed possess habits which range from poor study habits to lethargy. Of the students I encounter that do not succeed, the vast majority possesses the attitude/beliefs that they are entitled to an education. They feel that their monetary investment, out of pocket or via their Financial Aid awards, entitles them to an “A†regardless of their contribution to the class. The unsuccessful ones expect their education to either be easy.
Thanks. A key to online success is getting the students involved with other students and their teacher as regularly as possible.
Hello Natalie
The economic state has brought many students to on-line education. This allows them to work and gain education for a higher paying position. There are also many programs that offer funding for higher education for adults.
Hello Jeffrey,
My most successful students are very active in the class they attend all the live chats and turn in more than what is required.
