The instructor should be friendly, not friends with the students. If the instructor solely focuses on keeping a student in class and not on the purpose of why the student is there, an education is not being provided and the expectations of all the students is not being met.
Tania,
These examples are very effective in reinforcing what is being taught. They show relevancy and application of the content for the students. As a result they increase student engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also like to give personal examples of things I have done or things I would have changed and that seems to get a lot of interest.
Stephen,
Good way to introduce them to real life and the fact that through your experiences you are going to help them develop knowledge and skills in their field. In addition, you are going to be able to provide them with support as they strive to become professionals like yourself.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bryan,
Mutual respect is a powerful motivator as well as method to engage students in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Like I tell my students, The only difference between us is that I have made more mistakes at work that they have.And that makes them feel better.
I agree that is important to keep the students at the same level of respect. It should be a mutual respect, that way they are more open to learn.
Mohammad,
Without student retention an institution will soon be out of business and students will not be served.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Student retention is most important key point
for career school.
Staying away from the big me little you helps as we sometime forget how it was to be them
Marvin,
You raise a good point and thought in relation to remembering how you felt as a student. Putting ourselves in their shoes at times throughout the course really helps us to be more clear in our communication and provide support as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have found that remembering how I felt as a student, the questions I had and how each class intimidated me really helps me relate to the student body now that I am an instructor. Its not about showing off to impress your students its about getting them the correct information so that they can succeed in thier selected career path.
Douglas,
This is a good and supportive way to get students involved and helps everyone to be on the same page with content in relation to upcoming tests.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
keeping them involved right away in class (power point, questions, lab) is always a great way to hold them to learning and moving forward
I also like a review with students using informal discussion and conversation. The issues that are confusing or that the group has questions about will be discussed and the students have an opportunity to assist each other in remembering it. Speaking in their own words seems to help with retention.
David,
This is an important part of the instructional sharing process. We need to know how to interact with our students and earn their respect.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
