apprachability
a facilitator must build a rapor with his or her students to be effective in their teaching to make them approachable by the students.
Hi Justin,
I certainly identify with making myself available to students, and fostering an open and caring learning environment. I also let my students know there are a variety of ways they can contact me (before, during, or after class, and/or via phone or email). As students have preferred learning styles, they tend to have preferred communication styles as well. I have found that a student who may not approach me with an issue in-person is willing to address an issue via email message.
Well done Ms Hammer. On the first day of class I do emphasize to my students that I am available for tutoring and "side-bars". Telephone and E mail contacts along with the correct spelling of my name are given on the first day.
Hi Justin- Thanks for your post to the forum! Are you teaching online or in the classroom? Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
Hi Justin - Thanks for your post to the forum. You are obviously a very caring instructor- great work! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
It is very important to me that my students not only respect me, but also feel free to come to me any time they have a question. I make it a point at the beginning of each class to inform my students that I am available at all times to answer questions/concerns. Furthermore, I reinforce this issue throughout the semester. For example, if I get to the first test and I haven't heard from any of my students, I ask the class as a whole why they have not contacted me about anything. I know there are always questions that need to be asked. Also, I make in known that, in my opinion, there is no such things as a bad "dumb" question.
Hi Justin - Your students will really benefit from and appreciate your accessibility. Best wishes - Susan
I agree. I always stress to my students not to just look for me in class or office hours. I am on campus all the time and they can contact me whenever they need. I also make sure to let them know if they see me working online, they can instant message me. This opens up my availability to and student.
This is very true, if a student feels he can not approach the instuctor, then the instructor hasn't done his job well and as they always say, there is no bad student or a stupid question, there exist only poor teachers
we cover alot of things on the first day but include also that they can get extra tutoring and assistance anytime before, during and after class from either ourselves or other instuctors in the class. Knowing that you are available for the students and want to help them as much as you can tends to ease the tensions.
That is one of the first things I cover on the first day of class. I want them to feel like I am here for them and only them and that I am always accessable to them for help.
Hi Gene - Thanks for your post to the forum. I have some similar memories, unfortunately. With instructors like you, students are placed on the road to success and it is so rewarding for us as well! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I can remember as a college student how difficult it was to approach and talk to some professors due to their attitudes, body language or the fact that they arrived for class late and promptly left at the conclusion. These are traits I do not wish to emulate.
