Willing To Adjust
In a class discussion of "How are we doing so far?" students made suggestions for altering my creative project assignments, so the projects were more inline w/ their career goals. I considered their arguments over the weekend and gave students more options for projects. The students were very happy to have a collaberative effect on the course and did far better work as a result.
This might not work for other programs, but it worked for my creative students.
Hi Andrew,
Good point about developing respect with students by valuing their input. They start to become invested in the course when they see their input is contributing to the course.
Gary
One of the key characteristics of a good instructor is the willingess to evolve and adapt. It's important to keep in mind that as instructors we can learn just as much from our students as they can learn from us. Not only do their inputs and ideas give us more tools to use in the classroom, but also shows the students that their ideas are an integral part or composition of the class.
I think that's awesome. It says a lot about your students, and about you. The students cared enough about the subject to discuss what they wanted to do, and you were willing to adjust the program to meet their desires. I'm sure they loved it, and learned a lot more as a result.
Hi Theresa,
Sharing your experiences really helps to create a connection between you and your students. They also see in you someone who has been successful in their career field and this provides them with a model of how they too can be successful when they complete their program.
Gary
i really like telling the students about my career experiences. they seem to get excited about getting out in the field.
I always am looking for new ways to adjust the class to career outlook, especially since I teach a course for new students at a career college. I also have a couple of "How are we doing so far?" exercises and I have to admit that it doesn't always go my way, but I learn a lot from the project.
Hi Chris,
I compliment you on your willingness to listen and respond to your students' input. As you say this made the course much more important to the students as a result of your attitude.
Gary
