Terry,
Yes it does. The more you know about enrollment reasons the more accurately you can target your students with support and content. The results will be more motivated and engaged students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It always helps to know what motivated students to enroll. It helps you to better assist them in achieving their goals and in knowing when and how to provide added support.
Megan,
This is so important especially as the course progresses. Students wear down and then they start to forget why they are in the course or even why they are in school. A reminder now and then can get them perked back up and ready to push to the completion of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I would think knowing why they are there is a key to keep the pushing forward. At some point they will burn out and reminding them of why they started this could help get them back on track.
Dana,
This is such an important bit of information to have. The example you mention is a powerful one since you are able to keep this student in school through reminding her why she is there. You are not only helping her but hopefully helping her children once they see how successful mom can be.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowing the WHY behind a students enrollement gives the instructor direction. For example, we have a student that enrolled for her kids. To set an example and also to gain custody of them back. Everytime she wants to give up, I simply mention their names and she's right back on point!
Becky,
Right you are. I am always amazed at the lives some of my students have outside of school and yet they are there every time the class meets and ready to learn. I admire these students because of their dedication to making their lives better as they create a future for themselves and their family.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is important to know because a student may have home and money issues. At times you may have to keep a open mind and understand their difficulties they may be facing.
It helps me to plan my lecture so that they are taylored to the students experience and future needs.
Glenn,
This is important information to have because it gives you a starting point with your students. In addition it can help you with your instructional planning.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By knowing who and why my students are enrolled allows me to teach at the level of the students. example, are they new or seasoned divers.
Kathleen,
This is valuable information because it helps you to target your current students. You can customize your instructional delivery and content when you know the reasons for their enrollment and what their career goals are.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By knowing and understanding why each individual enrolled in the program, you can figure out what motivates them. Therefore it will be easier to relate the information to them personally, enabling for better retention and motivation to learn. If you can help the student to gain a personal relationship with the educational material, they will learn it better and enjoy the experience more.
Kevin,
This is such a good point as it connects the students with their future. Why they are there and how high is their commitment to their future is important information to know. Knowing this gives a foundation upon which to build rapport with that student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Casey,
This is important information to have because it can shape how you approach a student. Also, it helps you with knowing what kind of support to provide should it be needed at some time in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I was in my Graduate program we did an exercise to determine what was most important to us in life so that we could write or create with that as a central theme. This was helpful fo me as a student to learn more about myself. As instructors, understanding their goals can give us clues in how to relate material in a manner that is more relevant to them.
Finding the reason a student would sacrifice time and funds will allow the instructor to tailor the information to match the need of the students desired outcome.
William,
This is an important point because it helps the instructor to provide support at critical times. The "why" forms the foundation for customized student centered instruction.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
We have to understand that all students are not coming from the same situation and they all need support. We can find out the "why" they are here and we can attempt to focus on some things that they are looking for. As long as it lines up with the objectives of the class.
Tracy,
This is a tough situation. Hopefully other participants have experienced something like this and can provide some guidance. This is something in which I have had not experience. Our students have to complete one or the other to receive their certification and a job so they complete the course format.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
