I think knowing why students have in enrolled in the program helps also to motivate them by reminding them of why they are in the program and it helps them to stay focused on the prize of finishing what they started.
Earl,
You are right that it is easy for students to get involved in the process of going to school and forget their number one reason for enrolling and where they want to take their career. They need to be reminded at times so they can refresh themselves and get excited once again as to why they are there.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
There reason for enrolling needs to be reviewed from time to time. It is easy to for get, the students starts to draft
I think the examples an instructor can provide can be those that relate to the student's experiences, rather than just giving a broad, general experience. That way the student realizes the way to apply a general topic in relation to their lives.
Rita
Ed,
Thank you for sharing this success story even though it is a little different than what we normally expect. This student was able to use her knowledge and skills to be successful in her current career to tide her over until she was ready to enter her selected career area. As you say a win win for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You are speaking to the choir. I had a student who's first choice was not my class. Ok no problem. The student successfully completed the course only to inform us she was enrolling in a different school to learn a different trade. However she was going to use the trade she just learned to tide her over and through her next educational experience. Small victory!! Either way we cant take it personally that a student makes choices based on their needs or wants and not ours. -Ed
MICHAEL,
These outside influences can be of real help just as you mentioned. I like to find out what is driving the students or in some cases stopping them from having success so I can target their needs and provide support as needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I like to find out the students external influences and use that for motivation later if their grades slip or they loose focus. Example, if the student has family support and they start to slack off I ask them how would mom or dad feel if you let the down. If the have financial issues I ask how are they going to support themselves, wife or children if they fail. No job.
RICHARD,
I like you like to know why my students are enrolled in my class and how they see the class helping them move forward in their career development. You make a very good point about the value of having this information as you work with each student.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach trades and the reasons students enroll vary greatly. By not knowing why they are there you are setting yourself and them up for failure. I wont coddle students but I do spend a little time with each new student to get some background info on them.
Knowing the students' reasons for enrolling will let you know what motivates the student. In times the student has doubts and may think of quitting, you will be able to remind them of the reason they enrolled. It may be that they are looking at the short term picture and lost sight of the original reason they came to school.
Tom,
This can be quite a challenge for sure. I try to help my older students to have some success early in my courses so their confidence can grow as they get settled into the course. Once they get settled in then they are more open to learning how to use different forms of technology and are willing to work with some of the younger students to learn the needed skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that one of the big differences with students of different ages is their attitude toward technology. Some of the older students have a severe lack of confidence and even fear of "computers" whereas the younger students expect a lot of technology in their instruction. Keeping both groups happy can be a challenge and can even require duplicating some teaching material in hard-copy and on-line formats so that all students can feel comfortable.
Gary,
Have these same students. Coming from a background where going to school was an honor I am amazed that these students take being in school so lightly. That being said they are there and it is our job to try and get them excited about school and valuing the course they are taking. Keep up your good effort as it may make a difference in the lives of some of your students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
This is a difficult question for me. I would say 75% of all my students enroll "just because". Most are there just for the ride of being in school so as not to work, and they pick the class there in because it "looked cool" when they had gone on a tour of the school. This is a real world problem that happens every term and is the hardest part about teaching for me. My plan of attack is to try and get them excited about the course and tell them they can do well and make a good living out in the field. Getting to know them personally really helps as well.
Michael,
Great example, thank you for sharing it with us. This is what instructional improvement should be about. You sought input and then made changes that came out of what you learned. I commend you for this effort and know your students appreciate your willingness to be open in this way.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowing why my students have enrolled in my course helps me to both plan my course of instruction and deliver the material. Understanding that they are adult students, enrolled to get an advanced understanding of programs and processes help me to scale down the course material. Most are not interested in the history of the different programs or processes – but only how they work today and can be used in their jobs. As an instructor of the material I very interested in showing how certain programs have evolved over time. The vast majority of my adult students did not share my interested - they wanted to know how they were being utilized today and what they might look like in the future. Keeping that in mind – we changed the course, deleted much of the history and used the time to talk about current and practical applications.
I thinking knowing the reasons someone has enrolled helps you to create class goals that will help the students achieve success. If I know the end goal of my class, I can make sure we work towards obtaining the knowledge and skills needed to reach them.
To help with their induvidual goals. Also to help make suggestions that might further their education.
I am at an immediate advantage as an instructor to my students if I know why they are their to learn. Not only can I tailor my class objectives and course content to this information I can encourage their choices and learning along the way. I teach screenwriting. I often have students are only really interested in the production side of moviemaking and only take my class because it's required for their degree. I like having this information because it helps me show them how relevant story telling is to what they want to achieve in production. They always seem to appreciate this and it immediately creates enthusiasm from them for a subject they may have previously thought unimportant.
