I also try to point out the correct answers and then go over why the ones that were incorrect and why. I also use the instruction material to point out why their answer was incorrect. This is also the time to reenforce what was just covered for the test.
I feel by being a mentor to your students will help them want to be sucessful.
This begins from the first day of class. Welcome each student with a smile, shake their hand. Find out a little bit about the student, background, history, educational background and what their desires are on career paths.
Let the student know that you are going to assist them in any way to help them be a success in your class.
Hi Theresa,
It seems there are a lot of these doesn't it? They do take time and effort and I am willing to provide both if they will put forth the needed effort. If they don't I move on to those students that will.
Gary
Hi Michelle,
Good for you. Students often don't have the study skills to segment their instruction. By providing this service to them you are helping them see that in fact they can be successful and make progress toward their career goals.
Gary
We have many "hand holder" students, as my daughter calls them. For these students they need constant motivation and little seccesses for each class. They need to believe that they can complete the skills they are learning; even if they are proficent at them. Some of these students just need to hear "you can do it", "I believe in you", ect.
I like to help my students break down what they need to learn into smaller managable steps. Some times they just feel over whelmed. I also offer encouragement
Hi Scott,
So true. By providing the learning steps and supports that are needed for success the students will be able to clearly see how they can be successful in the course. The key then will be for them to put forth the effort.
Gary
Set them up for success. Create a learning environment that is encouraging and democratic. Offer positive feedback, but be willing to take the opportunity to offer constructive criticism. Education is dialogue, so we must be willing to talk about both successes and failures in the classroom.
Hi James,
Good approach. You do have a perceived tough area to teach. The more you can set the students at ease and let them know they know more than they think they do the greater engagement you are going to have. I am sure they are much more relaxed after this first class meeting.
Gary
Since I teach college mathematics, the majority of the students have an "automatic" fear because of their prior experiences with math. I like to start with a review of the concepts they probably mastered at one time, but have forgotten through nonuse. From this point, I can generally build on those "re-learned" math basics and continue with the concepts they need to master in the course. This, of course, implies the usual first day of getting acquainted before actual instruction begins.
Hi Joanna,
I like your approach. I am amazed as well how hard students will work for a smiley face and these are my advanced students. Yes, little successes really help toward big successes.
Gary
Within my classes I tell the students of my disabilities and how I was able to succeed. I explain that as long as they do what I ask they will pass my classes with either and "A" or "B". I also do not give grades on thier assignments. I give smiley or sad faces. You would be surprise how many students let me know if I forget to put one on one of thier papers. They do get number grades at midterm, tests, and a letter grade on final day.
We do many little successes within each class session.
Constant encouragement. Letting them know when they are doing a good job and offering help in any way possible.
Yes they really do and can. Thanks for the feedback.
Hi Niles,
Things like this can really make the difference for some students.
Gary
Give an A at the beginning of class to each student. It's up to them to keep the A. Silly as it is, it works as motivation to some.
Make work understandable, be clear on assignments, by writing them down on the board or through handouts and don't make the class hard to where noone will pass with an A.
By, Edwardo Mojena
To give plenty of encouragement and get them to realize and see that they have strengths within themselves and to use them to overcome their weaknesses.
Hi Lori,
Good points all on how students react to support, praise and encouragement. We need to keep this in mind as we approach the classroom and work with our students.
Gary
Without appearing to play favorites, I give mature students a quiet and private affirmation of their learning ability. They appear to appreciate the individual attention in a class of younger people who are not always serious about their performance.
