The Human Factor with Students
I agree that maintaining a strong human factor with students is a key to a positive learning environment. I learn all students names on the first day, welcome each of them, and play off of their strengths. As a result, classes seem more positive and cheerful and I have little issues with students not participating in class activities.
Hi Deborah,
The human factor is big in teaching success. You are demonstrating that you care about your students by learning their names quickly and using those names in other settings such as the hallway. That takes instructor support to another level that greatly facilitates student engagement.
Gary
Maintaining a strong human factor is important, it is like the golden rule do unto others.... I make is a priority to know all of my students by name and if you are teaching in a traditional class room-it is wonderful to walk down the hall and say hello to a student and use their name. I have found this to really startle most of my students, for they will stop and say, you know not to many instructors remember us by name. Being cheerful and engaging students in conversation relating to their acitivities and life experiences will often be an ice breaker for any classroom. Plus it gives the students a sense of belonging and caring within the class and from the instructor. After all, all of us like to have a feeling of self worth and of being important-so do the students.
Let's face it: We are all human. And, as I tell my students on the first day of class, I treat my class like it's a business. In the business setting, it's always nice if your boss asks how you are doing, how was your weekend, etc. In the classroom, students like to know instructors do care about their well being, and that includes asking about them on a personal level. (of course, never too personal)
I agree with knowing there mood of the day. That help with the class getting them involed with class. If they come in in a bad mood you know that and can try to adjust to get them out of it.
Hi Jeffrey,
What a great way to set the stage for learning that day, check on the mood of the students and engage them in a brief chat about how the class is going to go. This really helps you to know the pulse of the class for that day and make the students feel welcome.
Gary
I agree with you insight of playing off their strengths. Every morning before class starts, we have a line up to check uniforms, but more importantly, this gives us an oppertunity to say good morning to each one by name and get a feel for what kind of mood they may be in at that time.
