Student needs
Since students learn at different levels, it is important for instructors to realize this and set aside some time either in the class or after to work individually with certain students who have problems retaining information or who are trying to keep up.
Rita,
This is so important! Reaching out or connecting with each student as much as possible helps make their learning experience better, builds trust and respect, and makes classes run smoother as the instructor and student tend to be on the same page.
Barry Westling
I believe that it is very important to constantly check in with each student. By making sure that they are not only on task but are absorbing the material. This may be done individually in class, having the students independantly re-teach a small part, or after class study sessions. The bottom line is that the student needs to learn the content, while increasing confidence and not feeling pressured. It is amazing to see a student's light bulb shine when they understand the corse content and are proud of themselves.
Carolyn,
First and foremost the course objectives and student learning outcomes have to be met. How, when, using what resources are really all that matter in regards to one class being like another. Need to be current and "in the moment" in regards to where students are.
Barry Westling
Also remember that different cohorts respond to the same material differently. Just because one class finds the material easy - the next class may not. Be prepared that you may have to adjust the teaching material from class to class. As one of my program chairs once said classes are like bottles of wine - you have good years (classes) and bad years (classes). So, sometimes the amount of material needs to be adjusted - less is more, so that the class understands the basics and have a foundation.
Kiona,
I have two thoughts. One is motivation has to come from within. So creating that motivation may help. Sharing exciting experiences or awesome situations about their career field sometimes stimulates students to want to learn more, and will find the time to receive needed attention. The second thoght is getting creative with the curriculum where during the instructional hour, the teacher spends time with nnedy students. Again, I would suggest considering point one in this paragraph.
Barry Westling
I completely agree with this, but what happens if students never take the time to come and seek out help. I have a number of students who simply don't put into their learning anymore than the hour in class. They say they don't have extra time outside of class to seek out help. I really want to motivate these students, but how exactly do I motivate someone who doesn't motivate themselves?
Hi Hazelyn,
In a positive venue, a discussion about why they need to learn the material or how this relates to their career field. A frendly discussion about why the student chose this particular career and what they hoped to achieve from it may remind them of their orignal enthusiasm, and perhaps inspire them to do better for their own stated reasons. Since they are adults, if positive rationalization is not effective, conveying that their poor performance may lead to failure, and mandatory tutoring will be required. Students have to be accountable.
Barry Westling
What do we do when the student does not want the extra help we offer for them to keep up with the class such as competencies? I find myself having to force them for tutoring.
Hi Brandon,
I think whenever we set our minds that we care and want the best for students, requests from students who really want to learn are not looked at as a bother at all. I have felt, and other teachers have confirmed that when a students are anxious to learn, that sort of feeds the teacher, and rarely is there a feeling it's an imposition.
Barry Westling
I think that we need to make ourselves available to students that want to put forth the effort by coming after class for extra instruction.
Hi Michael,
You're right every student is different and has different needs. We have a need as well, and that is to get students from poin-A to point-B in the alloted time using available resources. Using a variety of teaching methods, engaging exercises, and careful nudging students further can produce successful learning outcomes. A key is to individualize instruction to reach each one.
Barry Westling
Just the psychological aspects of data input makes it essential for the student to receive infoemation in all different styles. It is no usually known by the student what is best though.
Hi James:
Every student is unique with different learning styles, needs, and interests. Yes, it's true some times we have to push students a bit to get them to where they're capable of performing. It's bee said "Hard work without talent is a shame, but talent without hard work is a tragedy. ...(robert Half). That kind of says it in a nutshell.
Regards, Barry
To be able to help a student, we must understand the student needs,but there are times and circumstances that we must push the student ( wether the student agrees or not ) to be able to reach and acheive a goal.
Hi Donald:
Making ourselves available is an unwritten rule for good teaching. We can build trust, offer support, give advice, and offer encouragement.
Regards, Barry
