When a person is able to identify why they have chosen an educational path then it lets all involved know what the long term goals will be.
As an instructor, during the first week of class I have my students to answer this writing prompt: Why are you here? The responses that I get from students range from: I was tired of my life passing me by while all of my friends were either married, starting a family, or graduating from college, I wanted to start college because I got married at an early age and had to take care of my children, or I am in my second stage of retirement and looking to pursue a career that I will enjoy until it is totally time for me to stop working.
Although that is not all of the responses that I get, they are mainly like that. People are no longer satisfied with being passed over on jobs. They want to receive an education that will help them to become better qualified for jobs, careers, and life in general.
Therefore, as an instructor it helps me to be able to bring in activities that my students can make a real world connection with. I have learned that an environment that is meaningful for students has the possibility of making a life long impression on them; and, they will carry the information obtained with them forever.
Letitia,
I reinforce this point. We have to maintain the standards of the course if we are going to reflect the competencies needed in our field. To do anything less is unfair to the students and our field, especially their future employers. The employers have an expectation that comes from them successfully completing the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Letitia,
You make a good point because I to am surprised each class session why students are enrolled in my course. It is informative to learn their reasons and then build my instructional plans around those reasons so I can attempt to reach each student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
James,
This is so important. This way we can more accurately target our instruction to support the learning needs of our students while keeping everyone moving forward in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I totally agree with Barbara, coursework should not be altered to fit the students needs but what I have observed with students is that they usually have to change they their study habits and read more and not expect all the answers to come from the instructor.
I was very surprised by the reasons for enrolling, but that is a question I always ask the first day of class to know what goals the students have and provide guidance for them.
One thing that has help me is to understand that each student has unique circumstances and goals, once we understand the learning styles of each student then we can tailor our instructional methods around the student. This is very important because we want to be able to reach the student and meet thier needs.
Melissa,
Good point. Knowing the reason for enrollment enables you do to what you list. You then can customize your instruction and really zero in on the supports the students need for success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowing why students have enrolled in our program will help me to plan my instruction in that I will know which points to spend a little more time on and which parts of the industry to highlight.
Barbara,
Good point. The course standards must remain intact but the approach you take can be altered as needed in relation to students needs.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Knowing thier reasons for enrolling will help me to better serve them. While I will not alter the coursework, I will be mindful about certain things.
knowing their goals will help facilitate my instruction.
