Laura,
It is the essence of keeping students in class and moving toward their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Human factor is very important for retention. If a student feels ignored or unwelcome, he or she will be more likely to drop at the first incident.
In a recent course evaluation, a student reminded me that the human factor is so critically important. On the positive end, I have been told that my enthusiasm for teaching and the course has indicated the difference between a good and a great teacher. On the other hand, when I have had to discipline students who have broken rules in assignment/course requirements, they have responded after the encounter that they appreciate an instructor who challenges them, creates fair opportunities, and cares for their success. In my opinion, both these scenarios have demonstrated good feedback on student retention.
Very important. When my students see me make a mistake and turn it into a lesson. They not only learn to reverse a mistake but see that I am just like everyone else.
Being fair and caring can be considered as implied rules to the game. Its not unreasonable for a student to expect their instructor to care and to be fair. When an instructor does not care or is not fair then, in essence, they are breaking these implied rules and there are repercussions for that...students start to not care or may start being unfair in their expectations or treatment of the instructor.
Greg,
You are the learning leader so your attitude goes a long way in helping the students become engaged in the learning process and your example supports that fact. Great job and I know your students appreciate what you are going for them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
after I made a comment in my night class "what are we doing here at 10:00pm on a Thursday (our Friday)???? Reply with "Right now is the time to learn......." That attitude carried on to the rest of the class.
Gary,
Good advice to share because this advice is based upon the realities of life. Yes, mistakes will be made but it is from these mistakes that learning will occur.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Very important. I have found that as students they are very hard on themselves and think they should be perfect at everything. When I tell them about all the hardships and mistakes I made when starting and how I overcome my problems they realize they can do it to. The reason they will believe this is that I will explain that I am only human as well and that mistakes are what makes us stronger and most of all "remember" that mistake so as not to do it again.I also make them understand that although I am the "boss" so to speak I am really one of them and will always be in the trenches with them no matter what.
Rachele,
Yes they do because they see the human factor in their teacher and realize they are going to be lead by a professional that cares about them and their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have always had a get to know you session when a new module starts.It helps relax the students, and they get to know a little about each. It also helps me in the future if the student is having problems.
When students feel acknowledged as a human, as an individual they are more willing to put out effort within the learning environment.
Mary,
Thank you for these good comments on how to use the human factor as a way to engage students and to expand their critical thinking skills. You are helping them to not only learn content but how to make applications and grow in their career development.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I believe the human factor is the primary factor in all education. As instructors, we're not only teaching skills for a profession, but also how to question, research, debate, and analyze topics. If an open learning environment that respects the knowledge and life experience of the students is modeled in a classroom setting, the students can take it out into the world. Hopefully, they can elevate their profession to highest of quality.
Jacqueline,
Wll said and so true. This is what keeps up in the profession, or at least the majority of us. We care about our students and what to help them succeed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The Human Factor is very important to me, because without it where would we as Instructor be. If students don't feel like we care about what we are teaching them; they won't even acknowledge us. When students know that we care about their learning process that will mean more to them than anything else.
Jacqueline Coleman
ANTHONY,
The human factor in the classroom is the demonstration of empathy, support, respect and rapport. It is not meant to be seen as a form of weakness in terms of course requirements. If the course requirements are not upheld then the instructor is not doing his or her job in relation to professional development of his or her students. On the other hand by forming a connection (human factor) with students the instructor shows that the student can come to the instructor for advice, help and feedback without feeling uncomfortable.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
In my opinion if you set the stage properly, and have very realistic and achievable goals you have to put the human factor aside. In the real world most employers don't even recognize the human factor, they just want results. No results, no job, plane and simple. By recognizing the human factor is some cases you could be setting the students up for failure. The only example that I can think of is if you give a student a second or third chance on homework so he or she can get a good grade you might feel that you helped the student. But did you really help the student? In the real world you usually only get one chance.
Cynthia,
Yes it is. Glad this information was of help to you. I wish you continued success with all of your instructional efforts.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is of significant importance to understand the human factor in communication and to understand ones receptive levels. A very educational session.
