Being Creative and Enthusiastic is the key!!!
I believe that student retention is directly linked to how much the students are being challenged, yet also how much fun they are having. Students enjoy being challenged more if they feel that it is helping them learn the material without it being a chore. In my experience most students are put off if the teacher speaks in a monotone, is not him/her self interested in the subject matter, or does not show enough support. I completely agree with everything that was discussed in this module, it offered many things that will help me grow and become the best instructor that I can be.
Positive attitude is contagious, thankfully! I really try to be positive in class, turning what students think of as 'failure' into opportunity. I point out that they wouldn't be in my class if they already knew how to do everything they're asked to do as students in my class, for one thing. Also, I emphasize that the only failure, truly, is not learning from mistakes -- that making mistakes is our only sure opportunity to learn and improve, to finally achieve success.
I like your mention of relating material to real-life experience. Using stories -- whether from my own working experience of from stories told by others that benefit my students from the retelling is also a very human way of connecting students to the relevance of what they're aiming to achieve.
Enthusiasm is contagious. I personally see the value in creating a positive-energy environment because I receive great feedback from my students each and every day for this reason alone. Quality of information received by the students is all about perception. A good instructor will obviously have an exceptional understanding of the course content but they must find an exciting way of delivering it. Two instructors may say the same thing, but if one is clearly passionate and excited about it and the other is lacking these qualities, student perception of what they have learned will be entirely different. Pausing to constantly relate the material to real life experience (preferably in the field) with funny or memorable stories is one of the best ways to keep the students engaged and retaining the material.
Hi Nadine,
The key is to show the students you want to help them to be successful. You demonstrate that through your support and respect for them. This is why your classes go so well. Keep up the good work because you are making a real difference in the lives of your students.
Gary
I totally agree and find the subject very interesting. I constantly keep in check with my students' level of attention. If I see that I am loosing someone, I ask them a question, or if they're falling asleep, (not because I'm boring, I promise) I ask them to stand up for a few minutes. Everything I say or do, always come from my heart, they feel it and I never have a problem.
Creating a fun, comfortable--yet productive environment is so important. Does anyone have any "class starters" for adult learners that work well to get the juices flowing?
Hi Michael,
You are right about being excited. It is great to be doing something that you really love to do. Think how fortunate we are to be able to teach students about our career area. We get to work in the best of both worlds, teaching and our content area.
Gary
Exactly! I'm always enthusiastic. I think when you truly love the subject matter it's easier to be enthusiastic and the students see it in your instruction and your able to hold their attention for long periods of time.
Hi Jay,
Good message and good strategy. How do you students react to this formula for success?
Gary
I tell the students to take that extra step and not be afread.I give them a rule(PRO)and becomes(PROS)first PRO meaning(Persistence,Repeatition,Obsession)then it becomes success.
Hi Avalokita,
Glad to hear of your excitement concerning your teaching and how you are working with students. I know you are going to continue to grow and develop in your expertise and skills as an instructor.
Gary
