Reza,
A good point that needs to be remembered as we prepare to start off a new course. Getting to know our students can be a part of our first class meeting and ice breaker activities.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Nakesha,
Yes it does. The more you know about them the more accurately you can plan your instruction to engage them. Also having this information will help you in establishing rapport with them as the course progresses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
it helps to how you should program the course related with age and ethnics of students
It enables you to get a better feel for your student and how to establish your approach in the learning process.
It enables you to get a better feel for your student and how to establish your approach in the learning process.
Heather,
Right you are. How to you learn from your students where they came from? Do you use a class survey, discussion, etc.?
Thanks for you input on this.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You have to know where they came from in order to guide them to where they want to be
Paul,
Good way to bring the human factor into play as a role model and educator. By doing so you are making a greater impact on the students even with the limitation of time with the students.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Being I only have short informational time in the classroom each term (I meet with a class one day for about an hour), it is hard to get a good feel for the characteristics of the class or the individual student. I seek feedback from their instructor on the class as a whole, so the little time I am able to speak to them in the class and in individual meetings I have a little understanding about if I need to be very upbeat or very low key, erncouraging or there to keep them on a more realistic track. Most times I have to adjust on the fly by trying to read their body language and comments. I keep a smile on my face almost always and always greet the students as I pass them in the halls. To me this is helping them be more comfortable with me and hopefully will make me seem more approachable.
Then when they get to me for their last class they are actually out in the industry and I am really there to ensure their educational requirements are being met at their property. I feel by being upbeat and approachable while they are on campus this aides in our interactions both while they are on campus and off. The little I learn about them while they are here on campus allows me to better understand their needs while they are selecting a property and there needs for submitting their assignments.
Nicole,
This approach is so valuable to your students in that you are showing them what they will encounter in the workplace. Having these experiences will help them as they make the transition from being students to professionals in their field.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
you need to know the different personalities of the students so you can teach them the way they learn
I personally like to give a variety to my students. We often do an activity I call "lab stations" I set up 6-8 stations that mimic a real life scenario they would see in the workplace and they have to work through it. It gives thme hands on, practical experience. And also gets them out of the worksheet/workbook routine.
Valaire,
This is one of the rewards of being an instructor. You get to develop such a relationship and then assist them as they move forward in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Valaire,
Two very good points on how to relate to students and get them engaged in the learning process. This is how respect and rapport is developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think having a professional relationship in which you show the adult learner you are there to help and you truly want to see them succeed makes them feel more at ease and a part of the classroom culture
As an instructor I really feel if you have a basic understanding of the learner characteristics you can provide the best feedback as well as learn the best learning activities to accomodate all students (visual, auditory, group learning etc). Also knowing your students you can group them in a way that will beneifit all members of the group.
Althea,
Yes, it does as it gives you more insight into the dynamics of the current class of students and how to work with them. This is one of the more you know the better situations.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Knowing this information sighnificantly helps the instructor know how to encourage, support and validate their students as well as assess their performance.
Cheryl,
Right you are about the need to know as much as you can about your students. This information is so important as you customize your instruction for each class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Understanding learning characteristics definitely helps as preparations are made to present learning materials. If we are aware of specific learning styles they can be included in the presentations. In this way each style can be addressed, meeting different needs and creating an environment where everyone can learn.
