When taking this course I really liked the idea of having cards on each student with details of their personal experiences and reasons why they are enrolled in school. The idea of gathering this information is helpful in incorporating those students with experience in the topic being teached. I think this teaching method can get everyone involved. The students feel like they have knowledge to share and life experiences are great teaching tools. I enjoy the interaction of the students and making them feel a part of the learning taking place in the classroom.
Sean,
You have a good strategy going for all of your learners through your methods. You are appealing to their different learning preferences and course goals. This way everyone is benefiting from your sharing of content and practical applications.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
For me it is easier to make the lessons more practical for the learner that I understand their motivation. Those that are just wanting more knowledge I can add more detail and discussion about the history of the topic and related topics. those that are learning for a specific goal such as a certification or career I can relate each lesson to their real day to day activities and use that as a discussion point.
Dodi,
This is good information to have because then you can customize your approach to tap into their enrollment reasons. This will enable them to see how they are making progress toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I feel if I know the reason they are enrolled in my program or why they chose to come back to school it helps me to build rapport with my students. I can use their motivations to help encourage them.
Anthony,
Good point and is of great value to the instructor. The more we know about our students the more accurately we can plan our instructional efforts to meet their needs. This then becomes a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This will allow the instructor plan a nd implement a structured course that is taylored to the students needs. This will encourage and validate the students belief in you as the instructor. This will encourage the sutdent to do well
In my classes, I see a broad variety of different reasons for enrolling, and other than using it as a tool to get to know the individuals or how to approach them, I'm not sure how to use the information to alter my class direction, focus, etc.
I do feel that, as a teacher toward the end of the course of study, I have it WAY easier than an instructor at or near the beginning, because at the end, any misguided reasons for enrolling should have been addressed or corrected, whereas at the beginning, those misguided reasons could actually interfere with a student's success.
Laurel,
Good point and one we need to remember as we do our instructional planning. If we can provide them with early success their confidence will grow as well as their knowledge and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to remind my student that the first and most difficult step was enrolling after that it just gets easier
Marcie,
You teach a subject that is essential to their career success because communication is an integral part of every career. The more application you can make of the content and relevancy you can show them the greater the value will be associated with your course. You are doing this now and I know your students appreciate your efforts in this area.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I ask my students why they have enrolled on the first day of class. I use this information to make what I teach relevant (English/Composition). They each write down a reason or two and how taking this course might help them achieve their goals. We share them as a class. This helps them see the similarities they share and that whether they are there for a better paycheck or to inspire a loved one improving communication skills is necessary.
Martin,
So true. They need to have selected a career that appeals to them and their abilities. When that is don they are much more engaged in the learning process.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also agreee to finding a better job, but do they have agood foundation to aquire that said job. I find that some of my students do not.
They need to be there for the right reasons. It is what they want not what some one else wats for them.
Rick,
Feedback is so important for students to receive on a timely basis. You are using your feedback to not only support the students but also shape their learning. This is what being a learning leader should be about.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Rick,
Good strategy to follow. You are learning about your students while helping them to get settled into the course. This sets the stage for a positive class to come.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When I have opportunity to point out their success as they master a skill I can then point back to how that is moving them closer to the goal they stated as a reason for enrolling.
I can be more "student specific" in encouraging them.
Srey,
Our first day of class is largely orientation. It is the first time I have met the students. After all the administration has spoken I will ask each to give his name, a bit of work history and why he chose this program. Very often the younger are looking for a career to provide for a growing young family. Older students are developing new skills or have been forced by job loss into a new field.
I like the idea of writing a few simple questions on the board. I could keep their answers to refer back to as well as have the students respond verbally which I believe would foster a sense of community within the class.
I think I will try that on our next start.
Rick Koukal
Michael,
It is information that helps with instructional planning and instructor support.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
