Insufficent Background Knowledge
What are some strategies for bring students up-to-speed when general background knowledge is lacking?
Dena,
I think you are on the right track. Whenever we can customize, individualize, or work with students one on one, the student will benefit from that experience, and help build bridges to differences, with the added result of better trust, respect, and credibility.
Barry Westling
At my institution, we have many cultural backgrounds, and I sometimes feel that they are not getting the knowledge they need because of that, perhaps a language barrier, shyness to ask questions because of that, I'm not sure. I am very willing to work with them one on one and spend extra time demonstrating, taking another route to deliver the information. I love to see that "aha" moment in their faces.
ROBIN,
Most technical textbooks also provide a pretty comprehensive listing of links and sites that students can access for further reading, viewing, research - all to facilitate more complete understanding.
Barry Westling
I found offering students links to various youtube instructional videos on the subject (along with access to other instructional videos that I have in my collection) can help bring students up to speed quickly (provided that they actually watch them!)
I also offer them some suggestions on different helpful books.
I am available to answer their questions whenever they need me too.
Rtee,
I am always willing to go "the extra mile" with students, as long as I get a sense that the student is matching my efforts with theirs. I won't spoon feed students who are unwilling to help themselves. But I am more than capable to give more than they need if they express their desire for help, and are willing to put in the wherewithal to contribute to their own success. And you're right, the gratitude and proud feeling to see a student complete a program is an awesome feeling. That's what keeps an instructor returning to work every day.
Barry Westling
I agree. I teach at two different institutions. I see some students have a great desire to learn but lack sufficient background knowledge or have a lack of understanding due to language barriers. Sometimes I have to take extra time to go over a concept multiple times. Sometimes it involves body language acting out a concept, sometimes a diagram drawn or photos before things click and they are so grateful. It's a good feeling especially when they graduate and you meet their families and their families know who you are and appreciate your contribute to their loved one's success in completing a degree.
George,
Sometimes, just a little extra time is enough to get weaker students over a hump, and because of that, they will forever feel that their instructor was instrumental during a particularly hard time. That's a good feeling to know we've helped students in their time of need.
Barry Westling
I find as a welding instructor, I do spend a bit more time in booths of weak students. Those students for the most part sometimes don't take the time to repeatedly pump out the electrodes necessary to become a better welder. I have to find ways to attract the student to stay in the booth by spending personal time with them and make he or she feel more confident about what they neeed to do to learn the trade.
John,
Institutionally, I use remediation, tutoring, and office hours. I also have the library resource personnel assist (as applicable). If the student is a visual learner, CD's, DVD's, and video's can be helpful. If they are computer literate, I can direct them to dozens of web sites that can provide basic to advanced discussions and supplemental information that can be of assistance.
Barry Westling
