Remembering why we're here..
It is always important to keep in mind why we are in the classroom to begin with! Being on time and prepared is part of it, but for me it is important to connect with each student every day. Some will need more personal interaction than others. Some will seek you out frequently during the class - others the instructor needs to make a point of checking in with during class. I always make a pint of knowing where the student lives what kind of commute they have and if they work etc etc.
Hi Tim:
I like your message. I have told students I define experience as "someone with a history of mistakes (behind them)". I then add, these mistakes are problems only if the individual did not learn from them.
I think encouragement and support, advice and assistance, caring and comforting understanding, and a willingness to do whatever we can to help our students reflects a teacher who recognizes learning takes trial and error, and mistakes are a part of that. Non-judgemental correction will likely be remembered.
Regards, Barry
I teach in a tech school and much of what we do is hands on. Sometimes I will have students make mistakes and become discouraged. I like to take this opportunity to relate in a lighthearted way mistakes I have made in the field. This shows the student that you are human, and mistakes will happen. I remind them we are in a learning enviroment and to not let a mistake keep them down, and that I am there to help them succeed.
Hi Melanie:
Boy, I agree wholeheartedly. I routinely sacfrifice my breaks to just hang around. There will always be someone who has a question, wants to chat, share a story or event in their lives apart from class activities, etc. Partly, this is how I get to know my students. Also, I like to convey the feeling I'm there for them, "being friendly without being friends".
But that doesn't mean I don't care, and these breaktime visits help build trust, respect, and a connection that I can rely on as we tackle more difficult topics.
I'm not suggesting that is is the best thing to do or that anyone should follow my methods, it's just a option I choose to make. Of course, there are times I can't hang around too.
Regards, Barry
I have found that some of my classes best discussions have occurred during the breaks. Some students will ask questions during the breaks, which has spawned great discussions when class begins again. The informal setting seems to put some students at ease.
Shelia:
I think when we focus on how we can best assist our students learn, we are being successful. And gosg, there a gazillion ways to go about that.
Regards, Barry
You make some great points Barry. As I become more experienced, I am becoming more aware of the needs and wants of the students and how to sift through the unnecessary distractions.
Hi Peter:
I think it's awesome when we can reach a point with our students where they feel their instructor truely cares about each class member and their success. It does take work, and we have to be willing to be open, friendly, encouraging, and helpful. Much more likely when these attributes are present.
Regards, Barry
chef cook;your method of bring your students together is what works well for you and they really have nothing but wonderful things to say
on your professonelism and your fearness in your class room structor and they know they always have a freind and a great mentor for all.other's should see how your style works they would be
amazed. and i know it works because it works for me as well.our students enjoy the friendship and have great respect for us all.
chef shane
Hi Michael:
I agree. I like to say "Be friendly without being friends". Because it's true, our relationship with our students is based on their educational purpose, not our social interaction opportunity. We can be kind, caring, and definitely we want to be approachable. It may be even be appropriate if a student wants to discuss a personal problem. We can be a good listener, but getting the student the help they need and not crossing the line must be prioritized. Empathy, not sympathy.
Regards, Barry
I believe there is a fine line with sharing break time and before/after school time. I am my students instructor, not their friend. On several occasions I have seen instructors get to chummy with students and have a hard time gaining control of their classes once students think they are your friend.
Hi Steven:
I think it's good to place ouselves in the position of how a student might be viewing the class. Over time, many teachers lose sight of this important consideration. If we can reach out to students and they feel like we care, are open, honest and approachable, that class is just going to go better compared to a class where that has not occurred.
Regards, Barry
I always ask this kind of info as well. My signiture is asking them what their middle name is and if they know what their first name means. This often breaks the ice, as they don't expect a question like this from an instructor.
Hi Peter:
Stephen Covey says "Seek first to understand, then be understood" from his 7 Habits book. We can be most effective in helping our students when we know where they're having difficulty or offering assistance that's meaningful, and contributes to improving their understanding.
Regards, Barry
Very True -- it's sometimes easy to get frustrated with students but when you understand a little more about there personal circumstances, their behavior tends to make a bit more sense.
Hi Alyson:
Great interaction. I also like to visit during break time, rather than disappear - this helps get to know students in a less formal, more natural way. Same thing before class, and I always plan to stay after for a bit to chat if there are students that want to.
Regards, Barry
