[Keeping Your Focus on the Students]
I find that building a rapport from the first day of class is critical for the students and instructor. Respect is critical in the classroom and I feel as though respect is earned. Students will not respect an instructor if the instructor is not showing respect towards the student.I loved the suggestions on how to recharge your batteries. It is so easy during mid-mod for the students and the instructor to fall into a slump and forget the actual goals and focus of the subject. Having the students write their accomplishments in the last few weeks really helps them to refocus if they see it in writing.
I have found that creating a professional environment in the classroom requires me as the instructor to demonstrate respect and recognition for student experiences. The ultimate goal is for the students to demonstrate that same respect and recognition for their classmates. Yet the classes are so diverse that many students come into contact with people from cultures that they would never encounter on their own this can lead to rejection of culturally different way to address career situations.
Group activities that allow students to share their experiences and expectations help develop this attitude.
if the instructor loses focus in the midle of the course it is easy to pass it on to the students. refocusing can be difficult at times but refocusing on the passion for the field of expertise can help. sometimes i use something as simple as a field trip on what i cal a mental health day, to help both me and my students to refocus.
Hi Tina,
Right you are. Respect is a powerful component of teaching and we need to work hard at earning it from out students.
Gary
That respect, understanding and concern for that student and letting them know that the material that you are teaching them is adequate will go a long way with them, giving their all and keeping them focus and seeing that you as an instructor is focusing on them.
Hi Karen,
Good comments about how to start the development of rapport with students. You are right about respect needing to be earned. It must be earned by both the students and the instructor. Once respect is establish then it is a building process from there.
Gary
