Expections Ackerman
Maximizing students' potential through facilitation is exciting and rewarding. Many students are nontraditional students who come from various backgrounds. Engaging students in a comfortable environment where they feel they are able to focus on reaching their educational goals is essential. I have had many experiences with international students, diverse students, and students with various backgrounds and ages. Providing them an opportunity to learn in an online environment where they are provided the tools and encouragement to succeed can be accomplished in a variety of ways. I believe the most important thing that faculty can do to facilitate student learning in online courses is attempt to make a personal "connection" with the student and to create a "safe" environment. The greatest way to ensure a successful relationship with an individual is to make sure that you create an environment that is safe to ask questions, to be confident to take a risk, and to be our real self.
Hi George,
Your experience in working with diverse learners really comes through in your remarks. I can tell you have developed a strong knowledge base on how to approach adults learners in the classroom. Your point of how students need to feel they are being accepted into the classroom and respected for their experience is a good one. This is very important for adult students if they are going to stay in school for the duration.
Gary
