Students have alot of layers.
Many of our students have a lot of layers of issues. Personal, Money issues, Lack of understanding why they are at school. The biggest one is WE OWE THEM. I do not understand how to get them out of that thinking ? In my teaching, how do I get them out of that mode?
I think if I could break down some of those thoughts. I think for some student would get more education understanding and retention would be better. Any comments please.
What I have also experienced is surprisingly some of student attitudes can change overtime. Most of the night students have tremendous demands on their time and getting to class, but are usually highly engaged in class. While day students can be better at attendance and seem less engaged. But even so, either style student can all the sudden change, needing to be reached out to, and their needs reassessed.
Robert,
At the university where I teach, we offer accelerated programs. Most of the student population works full or part-time and have families to take care of, as well. Personal, family, and money issues are always on their mind. A full-time class schedule just adds to the many existing layers and can cause a lot of frustration and a "we owe them" attitude, as you mentioned. This is something I myself am still struggling to improve with my students. I do believe being empathetic while remaining firm and fair is important.
I agree in foundations or fundamentals students attempt to test your knowledge, they can be very challenging. This allows me an opportunity to evaluate their knowledge and engage them
Robert,
Thank you for your comments. You experiences with students are much like mine so I can relate to your discussion points. I myself come from a family where I was the first to finish high school and then college. I value education so much because it has helped me to achieve the success I have enjoyed. I come from a career college background in that I went to a community college to get trained in a skill area. Once I completed my training there I was able to go out into the workplace and earn good money while continuing on in school. During that time I developed an understanding as it relates to the stereotypes attached to many of our students today. Your mention of their backgrounds and the barriers they have overcome to even be in school are often great so I admire these students as they come to class everyday. This is why my patience grows very thin when I encounter students with the entitlement attitude and do not see any value related to being in school.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe you are correct to focus on those "little successes"; a bit dismaying that they seem to be so very infrequent. I hold on to them, though, and keep looking for the next one.
The size of any sense of entitlement seems to expand or contract with different classes. with over 30 years civilian and almost as much military experience in my profession, I've only been at the formal teaching side for less than a year. In this time I have noticed that, in my limited experience, the entitlement aura may be related to age, maturity, and the level of education (vocational vs associate preparation). I'm certain that other factors play a part.
Lastly, as I get to know my students' reasons for seeking a career education, I find myself getting somewhat upset with many of my friends and family who hold the stereotypical view regarding career college students' motivation ("couldn't hack it in a "real" college", career college or jail, all on grants and / or subsidies).
The vast majority of our students are first gen immigrants or minorities who are very earnest in how they value education as a way to better their situation. Many have a degree and professional experience in their native country, and they are excited to incorporate this experience into their new learning. I can't help but be impressed with their drive and initiative.
So, yes, students do have many layers and, as educators, mentors, and even friends, we do ourselves and our students a disservice if we choose not to look deeper into what motivates them.
That's more than I planned on saying. Thanks.
Robert,
Tough attitude to break through, though not an uncommon one. I keep trying to support the students and encourage them in different ways to keep them engaged. It is such an individual thing in terms of whether they will be successful or not. I try to tie my content directly to the workplace, which I am sure you do as well, to help them see it is not me setting the rules but their future employers. Employers do not owe them anything and they need to shift their minds to that understanding. So many wonderful opportunities have been given to students over the years that they have an entitlement attitude which as students they want to continue by them being given grades instead of earning them. No easy answer to the long term developed mental attitude. I try to focus one on one and enjoy the successes that come my way when one of my students "gets it".
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
