I explain that in all things great, balance is mandatory(: Students need to bring forth their best self... by focusing on the prize without going over board. A key to success is treating yourself right first! A great night's rest, good nutrition and a drama-free environment helps take learning to a whole new level. This usually get my students listening and starting better habits with regard to their own health within the first week. I then see an overall better attendance and class participation.
Typically I have several activities planned to work on as a class, and break it down based on the lectures we have already covered. It gives them insight on the topic discussed, and the activity itself shows them the application. Working as a whole, students encourage each other as well.
Catherine,
A well prepared syllabus is the road map that the students will be following during the course so it need to be clear, concise and understandable. This gets everyone off to a good start with reduced confusion.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
By having a syllabus for the students to follow they have the comfort/secruity of what is expected of them. Also what they can expect from me in terms of the homework,projects and the grading system. I let them know also that if problems arise that prevent them from coming to class we can work together to get the assignments done.
I like your style. I have seen students learn successfully this way. I also like that you are sharing real life situations as this teaches students the importance of staying current with what is going on in the world. They can also learn from these events and apply what they learn to be successful in college.
Hugh,
I think this is so important because I see a lot of students today that do not meet deadlines because they haven't really had to. The more you can help them along these lines the better prepared they will be in the workplace. As you mention that have to meet deadlines in the workplace if they are going to be successful. The more they understand this the better.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach computer networking,and I explain to the students that down time for the client costs them money. In my classes I do set a time line for work to be turned in. I explain that in the real world, there are deadlines that have to met. I feel I need to prepare them for the stresses and presure that comes with being a network administrator. That being said, I also try my best to set the deadlines according to the general skill set of the students.
I have found that giving them assignments they CAN do gives them confidence.
Many students (adult and 'traditional') fear English and essay writing like Ebola.
I try to make it more accessible to them by using baby steps.
Sheena,
Good way to personalize your interaction with students and to show them that you are there to provide support as needed. This is how you earn their respect and develop rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Jeffrey,
You are providing a great service to your students with your explanation of what happens when you do not meet deadlines in the real world. Sometimes students think you set deadlines only to make life difficult for them, when in reality you are helping them acquire the self discipline needed for career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
What I try to do for each class that comes in is meet with the student individually and ask them questions about their life. I ask them about their home life, I ask them to tell me a little about themselves. I try to figure out where the student may need guidance or extra help. If the student has a busy home life I offer our classroom on days that we do not have students so that they can study in a quiet environment. I also ask them why they choose the profession, also what they are most nervous about going forward with school. This way I know where they may struggle and pick up on the fear before it becomes detrimental to their education.
Explaining importance of preparation and study time. Also, encouragement for doing assignments right. Relate personal experiences to the class.
Being able to relate to my "middle-aged" students and share some of what I do to be successful in this career helps them feel more at ease. Having the proper attitude in the classroom is also a big help for them. Rather than having a staunch, "it's due tomorrow or you fail" approach, I like to talk to my students about what happens in the real world and share with them how to best deal with deadlines and time management.
Erica,
This comprehensive approach is a good one since you are reminding students of the course requirements while reinforcing what they have learned so far. This connecting of past, present and future helps to keep them focused and moving forward with their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Some students need constant acknowledgement that they are doing a good job. I have found that providing that regular support and encouragement goes a long way. Also, setting clear goals day by day helps students overcome their fears. Too often they have been away from school for so long that they are not confident in what they are doing. Providing them tools and teaching them how to use them can be very helpful. I have found that getting them well acquainted with their syllabus addendum and course calendar helps put them at ease. Class announcements of upcoming deadlines and meeting with students one on one to review their progress can also be beneficial in helping them loose that fear and help them see that they can do it.
Jenaro,
Thank you for sharing your life example with us. You are right your story reinforces to your students that you understand them and have been where they are. Your energy and dedication to your own career development is demonstrated by the fact you are now an instructor and learning leader. This is what inspires your students and will increase their engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In order to get my students to overcome their fears, I use myself as an example. I dropped out of College when I was young, and returned as an adult with a mortgage, a wife, two kids and a dog. At my job, promotional procedures were changed mid stream, requiring at least 65 credits for first line supervisors, 96 for the next level, and a degree for management. This forced me to return to college and complete my B.S. and later my M.A.
For the adults I explain how hard it is - that I was there and experienced it myself. For the younger students, I explain many of the things I lost because I didn't finish school when I was single and had the opportunity to do so. I have used my own background and experiences to motivate my students.
In this way, I am able to touch all of my students and they can relate to me.
ROBBIN,
Thank you for sharing this story. I love hearing success stories like this because as a result of your support and willingness to listen this person is now successful, doing what she loves and is going to provide quality health care for many years. This is why we are in the business of education, listening to and helping others being successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Ways to help a student be successful in college that the instructor has some control over is to: Listen, realize that each student comes to class with their own fears, experiences, and personal baggage. Sometimes all a student wants is to have someone to talk to. Allow the student to express their concerns and offer a recommendation to help the student if one is available. Sometimes the student may bring excuses as to why an assignment was not completed or why a test was failed. The instructor should still listen but, may need to bring the student back to the importance of being prepared for class to redirect the student as to why completion of assignments is important.
Each student comes to school with fears, experiences, and personal baggage. One of my Adult learners demonstrated a "self defeating" attitude during the first term. Support was given to this student through tutoring sessions. She would continue saying "I'm going to fail out of this program". During one of the tutoring sessions she told me where this fear came from. She had been in a college RN program. Her instructor kept telling her she wasn't smart enough to complete the program. Eventually, she dropped out of the RN program. By listening to her, understanding where her fear was rooted in, I was able to provide her the help she needed to complete my program, graduate, and now has a successful nursing career.
Life experiences can be negative or positive experiences. If shared with the instructor, the instructor can turn negative experiences into positive results.
Keith,
What a great topic area to be teaching in. Your field is rich with content on a regular basis so I know you have some great discussions and your students get the benefit of your experience and expertise with current events.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
