Working students
This rotation I found myself teaching at night. These students have jobs & have no time for messing around. They work faster so this can give more time for demo & discussion.
Hi Lori,
I enjoy working with the group as well. They are focused and motivated so they are a joy to teach. They know what their efforts and education will get them.
Gary
I also find that working students seem to be more motivated. They seem to have more specific longterm goals. Those students have been in the workforce and know that if they want better working conditions, ie. money, hours, facility, promotions, etc. they have to stay motivated and focused on their long term goal.
Hi Norma,
These students have a number of different motivation factors going for them so they get right into the course and work hard to be successful. These students are a delight to have in class and watch them develop their skills.
Gary
students that work seem to take being a student more seriously semm they are their to acomplish a goal and do not have time to waste.
Hi Jessica,
This has been my experience as well. I teach from 4 until 10 pm so my students come from work to class. They know why they are there and what they want out of the class. I work hard to meet their expectations because I know they are going to put maximum effort into their studies.
Gary
I find that night students tend to have a different drive in general than day students due. They "owe" it to themselves and their families to succeed. They are working hard to be there and learn all they can.
Yes, I agree with your comment. I believe that sometimes we have to remember to put ourselves in their shoes...I usually do this by way of sharing with the students my struggles along the way. I give them "real life" examples from my personal experience and lots of them are currently experiencing the same role and can manage to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hi Denise,
Sounds like my night students. I teach from 4 until 10:00 pm. My folks are tired but they are there for a reason and that reason is to develop skills and gain knowledge. They stay focused so they can move to the next step in their career development. I enjoy them very much.
Gary
I teach at night, 5:45 - 10:45. I find that these students are more movitated, driven to get through the program. They come from a day of work, caring for a family and just don't want to waste their time when they come to school.
Hi Justin,
I think this is a good approach. I teach 4 until 10 as I mentioned and my students really do need a bit of a breather as they get settled into the course for the evening.
Gary
I don't like scheduled breaks either. I teach classes from 6 pm to 11 pm. I prefer to give breaks after my lecture and introduction to the projects. I'll allow an extended break for the first one so the students that work all day, which is most of them, can go get a soda and a snack to help pick them up. They really appreciate the gesture.
Hi Steve,
Students like competition and it really helps them to work together to beat the other team or group. I use it in my teaching with great results. Way to bring excitement into your classroom.
Gary
I really admire the working students. I know how difficult it is to juggle a job and school at the same time. I believe that they can be great examples to the other students. I love what the working students bring to the classroom in both knowledge and work ethic.
In my experience it is usually these student who bring a healthy dose of competition to the classroom.
I challenge them to take on more than those students who take an afternoon class and dont' have a job (they are parent funded) and beat those guys. I give them class averages and get them fired up to be able to hold a full time job and score higher and excell in their class.
Hi Jackie,
This is a fun way to getting the students to reflect on their status in life at the current time. You are showing them you understand their situation plus show them that you know that it is hard for them to juggle all parts of their lives and be students as well. Great job!
Gary
I've found that in getting to know these students, you can ask whether they're neglecting themselves with their hectic schedules. For instance, I'll ask a student whether he's eaten a good meal that day or even suggest taking multivitamins while on this grueling routine.
I also will remind them, in our case, that they'll only be punishing themselves for about four more months--then they'll be "normal" human beings again!
My approach seems to at least get them to think about how to better take care of themselves while doing so much.
I teach both day and evening classes. I need to be much more focused and tactile with my evening students because they are looking to acquire the information quickly and apply it.
R.
Hi Leonard,
This has been my observation as well. These do a great job of keeping everything going while trying to better their lives through education. They need to be supported and encouraged at every opportunity so they won't lose hope and wear down.
Gary
Hi Cynthia,
This has been my experience as well. Since most of them will have worked all day and then come for 4 to 6 hours of instruction they are there because they see the value of what this education will do for them in the future.
Gary
