Accepting that students and instructors will have stressful days
Even though we encourage students and instructors entering the school to leave their personnel issues at the door. Realizing that for adults every day will not be an upbeat positive day aids in understanding and promoting students goals and progress.
I love this resopnse and agree 100%! I do everything I can to keep my students motivated and help remind them why they are there on a regular basis! I have them write mission statements for themselves on the first day of class and then I have them keep it on the front of their binders so they are re motivated daily!
Mary,
A very good point we instructors need to remember. Outside factors do have a major influence on the learning and success of our students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Once I get to know my students, I can tell when something is wrong usually by how they are behaving. Sometimes they are more tired, frustrated or short on patience. Many of my students have children. They might try and leave those issues at home, but it is difficult not to bring some of those emotions to school with you. As an instructor, it is important for me to listen and be understanding.
Nick,
Sounds like you have found a good balance in what you are teaching and the human aspects of being a student. This is so important as you say with adult students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I agree with this and tell all students to try an leave personnel issues at the door. I notice that a majority of adult students tend to have a little more not so positive days simply due to the fact that they have more bills or are currently unemployed. I try to keep them in a positive state of mind by reminding them that they are here for a reason. To learn and reach their goals that will enable them to begin their new careers. I also find it important to let the adult learners know when they are doing well as it may aid in bringing their spirits up.
It is good to know that this is an accepted method. Through the years, I have done some "trial and error" methods of starting the class with varying degrees of success.
Sometimes the students have a lot on their mind, and other times they are reserved. But they will have the opportunity for input.
TMc
Terry,
I use this opening as well and I have had the same results as you. I and my students look forward to this sharing time and then we know it is time to get to work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
that is a good ice breaker when my student come to class since i usually have time with some of my student while we wait for the other students get out of the vesl class
It is difficult to be able to switch gears, to go from a stressful job or home life, to a classroom setting. I often start the class by asking if anyone has something exciting going on.I have found that by taking 2-4 minutes at the start of class to have some small talk, it reduces some stress by talking about it.
This occurs in a work situation as well as at school.
Having backup plans can help the student, having an on-campus support system can help the instructor.
I agree you must check your problems at the door and not let them interfere with your work ethics
