Angela,
Well said and so important for students success.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
it's important that we keep all the students focus while in class so that they will continue to WANT to show up to class.
William,
Good point and well said. If we remember this our instructional efforts will be greatly enhanced.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Thank you Jim for pointing this out, becuase I too sometimes forget that this material is new to the students, they do not have the many years of experience I had and when I say it's easy yea it's easy for me. I also don't want to make them feel dumb becasue they will not participate and withdraw from the class.
This is a truth that must be remebered and used to advantage that can show the student that the instructor is not the enemy but a means to their goal.
i think that it is up to us to keep the students engage on the class by creating new activities so they can stay in class and walk theme throughout the
the process of of the activities and keep there career goals in place.
Michael,
I think you will get good results from this strategy. My students really like using them.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Ihad not thought about the flash cards, I am going to start using that in my next class. I have one student in particular which I may be able to get a response from. Thanks.
Paul,
Good point and one I can appreciate. I to have a farm background so I was able to bring to the classroom and my technical training a skill set that helped me to be successful while in school. I have had to step back and realize just what you have said in terms of the students not having the basic tool skills from which to operate. So I have to help them acquire those skills so we can move onto the upper level skill sets we are striving to obtain.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I find myself over-estimating my students in many cases. I forget that some students do not have the skills that I had when I was first in school. I grew up on a farm where I learned a lot of practical skills at a young age so when I went to trade school I understood most of the basics. A lot of today's young students did not have that exposure to hands on work.
I feel the students need to know as an instructor that I am there for them and will help them but they need to take that first step and ask for the help. I tell my class in the begining of any class that I will help them but they need to approach me and ask for the help. In a job situation the boss in not going to come to you, you need to be the one that takes it upon yourself to make that effort to get the help you need.
Angela,
I agree. Relating to students helps in the development of respect and rapport, both of which help to engage students in the learning process.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
i tyhink that if the instructors can relate to the students , the students will find it easier to keep up in class and focus better on their courses
be on time to class, paying attention, and reviewing material before class.
I really like the flash card idea. It helps the student that posed the question as well as others in the class.
Antoinette,
I like your approach. You are helping your students to answer the age old question of "How do you eat an elephant?" Answer: "One bite at a time." By giving them strategies for getting their problems completed you have shown them the way to success, rather than just giving them 20-30 problems and telling them to get them done by next week.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I have to remember that it is easy for me because of the experience and education but telling my students its easy will not support them in this stage of their learning. Encouragement, showing excitement and clarifying their concerns would help them stay involved.
That is true. Students tend to identify with their instructors therefore creating a healthy learning relationship. Instructors have the power dynamic to make a dynamic learning happen.
I am a medical coding instructor. The only way my students can master medical coding is by practicing coding problems. Sometimes I will assign 20-30 problems at a time for homework. This can be very intimidating. I always tell them to do alittle at a time, 5 problems a night since we meet once aweek. This way they don't feel so overwhelmed. I also tell them to get up early on the week-ends do a couple of problems early so they don't have their homework hanging over them. I tell them to reward themselves with alittle something when they get their homework done....like visiting s friend, going to the movies etc.
Rich,
By having dynamic and well developed instruction. In addition, there needs to be incentives for them to come to class. If they are not sold on being students and they do not see any value to what is being taught it is going to be tough to get them to come. Normally grades and course success is enough but for some students they are there because of the courts or other programs and these are difficult to get to see the value of education and learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
