Having the students embrace learning
I have found that the students must see the same quest for knowledge in the instructor. I activly listen to my student and by asking the students questions when they make a statement they see they can also have input to the class and that I learn right along with them at times.
I also ask students how they got to that conclusion. It shows that I can also learn throug my students. it improves the way they look at me too. I feel that if I show them that I am ,not above it all, they have mutual respect for me.
I totally agree with your post. I always tell my students that I learn new things through them. I also stress that I do not know it all and that things are constantly changing so there is always room for new material and new technology, whether you are a student or an instructor.
Robert,
it really is a great way to connect with the students & to remind them that our learning should never stop.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Robert,
Your statement about learning along with your students is spot on. Although not teaching biology any longer, when I did I was always learning with my students because researchers and scientists are always making new discoveries. I think that served as one way to have a connection with my students on their level because their teacher was also learning every day.
Michael ,
this is a great statement & story & one that all of us can learn from. Knowing content is not enough, being able to relate the content is a key element in the teaching/training process as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
Several years ago I started down this path of teaching. I thought (and I do) know a lot of STUFF, however, I didn't know how to articulate a a story to students on why it is important to continue learning. What made this transition difficult was that I was taught to learn the old school way, memorize for the test. I had to learn different ways to reach students. I'm still working on that concept and these training courses help bring me back to earth where the students reside. Thank you.
Yes, it is so important that you are not the 'expert.'
I find that students get excited when they feel they are participating in resolution with the instructor and not trying to find the answer the instructor already knows.
Lauren,
this is so true & it's a great example to our students to encourage them to be life-long learners.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I strongly agree with what this course has to offer. I find that when i bring new information to class, my excitement and enthusiasm for sharing this newfound material enriches the educational experience for the students.
steve,
I completely agree & this way they are more inclined to learn themselves.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
marvin,
this is a great approach & is a great way to determine which students really want to learn & which ones are just trying to be disruptive. Those who want to learn & will stay & learn.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I have also had to deal with the know it all student, with the bad attitude and the uncanny timing of their comments that just makes me want to strangle them. However I have come to the conclusion that the timing was more the issue then the comment,I felt embarrassed and my human nature made me want to lash out. Later I realized that a students quest for knowledge shouldn't be stepped on. Now I simply have them stay after class and we research together for the answer. I have found that this helps the students attitude as well as teaching them how to correctly answer his own questions.
I'm a firm believer that students must walk through the woods before they can see the forest for the trees.
We must allow students to wonder and explore and not simply spoon feed...
I feel he same way. If you think you've learned all there is to know you have a lot to learn!
Heidi,
while the instructor should always be learning & growing, there is a certain level of knowledge that you should bring to the classroom. The student with the comment may have a valid point (albeit communicated in a bad way) if it is something the instructor should know, or it doesn't matter how much you know, there going to be "snarky" no matter what.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
I think that it is amazing that this course encourages the Instructor to learn along with students. Interested in how to respond to a know-it-all student who thinks and says outloud in the classroom a snarky comment about how an Instructor "should" know that. I have been in this situation.
Robert,
this is a great point. I never want to give the impression that I've learned all I can about my subject or that I'm bored with learning. This will inspire my students to continue learning as well.
Ryan Meers, Ph.D.
