Student does not want to learn
If a student does not want to learn, it could be quite mind boggling.
To see a student waste his/her time is very uncomfortable.
I would do everything in my power to ensure that the gratitude of learning would be very fulfilling.
I would explain the importance of having an education vs no education and how far you can excel in life financially and the repect you obtain with an education.
Hi Steven,
You comments are very true. This is why even with a standardized curriculum you need to introduce some variety of instruction so you can appeal to the different learning preferences of your students.
Gary
Some students need to be led rather than pushed. There is a fine line when dealing with a printed curriculum. Students feel they are being pigeon holed into following a certain path towards success. negative experiences are reinforced for tactile/kinetic/auditory learners who are handed a printed form as a baseline for the course. They may feel they will not be able to learn so the defense is I do not want to learn...It is a self fulfilling prophecy.
Hi Terrance,
This student effort can easily be translated into motivation for the student as well. With effort comes success and success spells motivation. Hard work is what moves individuals to the next level in their careers.
Gary
I try to explain that I have expectations of effort. If students make an effort they will usaully pass the class.
Hi Andrew,
Excellent suggestions for helping instructors as they work with students that are experiencing problems while going to school. These external issues can really impact or even destroy their efforts to be successful. Anything instructors can do to support these students will be valued.
Gary
I feel it is the instructor’s responsibility to continuously help motivate the student. The student must be interested in a career, or they would not have enrolled typically. The object is to help the student stay focused. I think the instructor should have a one on one conversation and determine why the student is struggling. Maybe there are personal issues getting in the way of the students educational experience. Maybe the school has a Student Services Department that could help the student.
I have 1-2 students every session who are not here for themselves. They are here because someone else is insisting upon it and occasionally come right out and tell us that.
While I am very retention-oriented, I hate to watch a student basically flunk out on purpose and end up owing us money, as well as student loans, for the time attended.
I often wonder what I can do...if we get the student in a room with the person who's sending them to school, the student often pretends to want to attend, to pacify that person. It's terribly frustrating.
Hi Mohammed,
Thank you for sharing these strategies for helping to engage the students in learning plus retaining them in the course. Getting a student involved in helping can really make a difference in how they see you the instructor and the value from the class.
Gary
Yes it is very difficult to deal with a student who does not want to learn. I try talking to the student privately and try to know the reasons and look at what he is good at. Sometimes I make the person my assistant and make him do various things in the class as to distribute supplies, copy handouts, and to make sure everyone signed in. So that I can bring him back.
