Challenging backgrounds
The vast majority of students that I teach come from impoverished areas and thus are disadvantaged monetarily, educationally, but socially as well. To be blunt about it the social skills of their home environment are often the exact opposite of what brings success in an academic or professional setting. I try to aid in their transition by attempting to model professional behaviors.
I have also found success with adult learners when they have opportunities to demonstrate previous work knowledge and relate that to topics I am teaching in class.
Hi James,
I work with a very similar student population. I agree that giving the students opportunities to discuss their prior work experience helps them to adjust better to the classroom environment. I highlight and praise previous job skills that could be applicable to learning a specific topic. I find this instills confidence in the students.
When students use some of their previous unprofessional behavior in a classroom or externship setting, I have a meeting with the student and focus on the specific behavior that was displayed. I also praise them for any initiative he or she may take to apologize for the unprofessional behavior-taking it as a learning opportunity and not a time for "punishment" per se.
James,
This is a challenge for sure. I have taught in such settings and I understand your desire to help them develop the social aspects of their careers along with the content and skills. As we know without the soft skills students are not going to be successful in the workplace. Keep up the good work even when it seems that little or no progress is being made.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
