Knowing why students have enrolled can be extremely helpful. As a culinary instructor, I help the students see the "big picture," and try to relate all course material as it would apply in the real-world. For example, I always ask which students want to own and run their own business. When going through the lessons of food-cost and cost-control, it can greatly help a student relate, if they want to make any money with their business, which they do, and they start to pay more attention.
It will help you to know what they're interested in. This is important because you can tailor your lesson plans to not only be educational but also fun and interesting.
I think that knowing the reasons they are seeking an education helps to guide in what motivates them and what will keep them coming to class. For example if a student is only enrolled in classes to receive the stipened they were promised when doing their financial aid, then that helps the instructor to know that financial gain is an issue and pointing out ways that this occupational choice they have made for their future can lead to financial stability, will help them to see the importance of continuing down the path they have started.
A huge challenge is motivating a student who is motivated by financial aid or other ulterior reasons. They often become a distraction for other students based on their lack of care or involvement.
I can gear my instuction in a specific direction
It will help because you will know why they are there and therefore understand what their goals are and what they want to accomplish. You can plan your instruction based on this information.
If I can access exactly what is motivating my students to be in my class I may be able use this information to custom tailor the lesson to them. I have found that if I am able to do this the students become more engaged and contribute more to the class discussion. I usually come away learning something new myself!
James,
This is what customized targeted student centered instruction is all about.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I teach in the Veterinary Technology field. If I know that a student has an interest in a specific species or area of veterinary medicine I can adjust my lectures to make them more meaningful to that specific student.
I would prefer not to know at first as to why they are hear. I don't wnat any preconceived ideas about the students. Are they a serious learner or just given option of jail time or school? I'd like to asume they they are are serious about their career choice and maybe in the process I can convert one.
To help better assist the students intentions of what they expect to learn.
I was able to take advantage of a pacific institue training here at my work and I learned a great deal from this. People enroll in school because they see the big picture of their success. They are doing this for so many reasons but mostly for their family and so they can have a better life. The concept I liked the best was to make a wall of nothing but pictures of dreams, ambitions, and family especially kids. So that everytime the student would get discouraged or lose sight of why they are here, they can go to that wall and read or look at what they themselves put up there and be encouraged to push through because I believe if you can dream you can achieve it.
Knowing upfront the purpose of a student will allow the instructor to help the student's learning more student focused so that it'll help with their future endeavors.
I teach core medical classes for the medical assisting program so students are only in my courses who are in the program. I see students from start to finish. I know that if they are in my courses they are in the program. I ask on the first day thier reasons why they are in the program as part of the getting to know them process. Helping students grow as people is part as my job as an instructor. I just don't teach the subject but I take the student from where they began when they walked in the door and helped turned them into a working adult when they graduate.
I think you get a sense of what their previous knowledge might be on that certain course or the content. You can see what method of teaching would be most effective too.
Hannah,
Yes, you will and this will help with creating rapport with the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
You will be able to relate to the student's career goals and customize your training examples to relate to the students.
Students are enrolled in my courses because it is part of thier core course load. Most of the students are enrolled in the program because admissions told them that its one of the highest payed fields and its always in demand.
most of our students believe what they are told when they first enter school
Chad,
Good point because the students need to understand what the goals are and why they have been set like they are. This way they can see value to what they are being taught.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Through general class discussion at the begining of every course. This helps me to have a better understanding of my students goals early on to support them.
