I find it very important to be able to connect with each and every student in some way.
Personal attention and acknowledgment of a student works wonders for the student's self-esteem and motivation for succeeding. Knowing that he or she is acknowledged as a class member creates a feeling of belonging and security.
Hi Rebekah,
What a great story to share with other instructors. The personal contact and rapport is what it is all about. If they know the door is open to them to come back when they are ready they are much more apt to do so.
Gary
I agree also and if you stay in contact with him/her even after they drop they may come back. This happened to me and I was touched when she told admissions that the reason why she came back was because I believed in her.
The human factor is extremely important in all situations from the classroom to the work place kindness, consideration and caring for other persons with respect for them as an individual goes a long way in gaining respect as an authority figure.
I agree. Taking time with each student is critical. One thing that works for me is to have different activities for groups to work on while I go over midterm evaluations with each student one/one to make sure I am doing all that I need to do for them as well as see what they are doing for themselves academically so they can work on a plan of action for change.
The human factor involves, in my opinion, the student seeing the instructor as "human." Sounds simplistic but when we as instructors appear unreachable on our ivory towers, and imperious, this does not convey an attitude of caring and individual perspective. Students will feel like cattle being herded if we don't take time to work individually with students, and show we care in the many ways available to us.
Ken Orgill
Hi Patrick,
Good point. Knowing your students is so important in relation to teaching success. The more you know the better you will be able to target the supports they need when they need them.
Gary
Every student is different. Getting to know who your students are will help you help them. If a student needs assistance with something they should not be intimated to talk to the instructor. Teachers should encourage their students.
Hi Robert,
All good points about how to relate the content to your students. The human factor is essential to successful teaching as well as the establishment of rapport with students. I like to hear stories about the different career fields as well so I know your students really like the "street stories" you share. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Coming from the field I am teaching in, criminal justice and being a former police officer, I try to show the human side, police are human and make mistakes. Treat people with respect and you will receive it back. Going the extra mile so to speak will help you have a long an successful career. My students also love to hear "real" stories from the street.
Very important as it relates to how you treat your students. If you show them you care about them and their learning experience, they will respond better to your teaching and actually accept the learning opportunites.
Hi Diane,
This is so important for student success. Helping them to stay focused and making forward progress is the key to keeping them enrolled. The more you know about the outside pressures the better you are going to be able to provide support.
Gary
Learning their names is essential! I too make it a top priority. Also by using their names in addressing them and establishing eye contact is vital in showing that you care. They will respond positively and come to you with personal or acedemic issues that will affect their retention later.
Our students have a lot of challenges going on in their personal lives. Getting to know my students helps me to understand where and why they are acting.
It is very important. I generally search out the students who are quiet and seem to slip through the cracks. I make an effort to let them know I care and try to make them comfortable.I often hear that I'm the only one who has tried to get to know them and they come back to visit me and talk about their situations or get advice.
The Human Factor is one of the most important parts in student retention. I am thinking of students who are on the break of being lost. What if not the caring and encouraging words of the instructor (honestly meant) helps the studnet more to stay in school?
I agree and they want to know that there input matters. I always ask them to look at what skills they have from other jobs or situations in life that they can bring in to this profession that will allow for greater success.
Hi Travis,
I really like your approach to the classroom and your students. With your compassion, zeal and dedication your students are going to be successful while being able to see a model of what a professional is.
Gary
The human factor is very important for retention. I know that with the new generation y students they need to feel that they like the instructor and have a bond with them. This can be hard as an instructor because it can lead to students seeing you as more of a friend than an instructor. This can be overcome by setting strict boundaries on the first day and reminding the students that although we may get along and be friendly with each other, I am still the instructor. Having these close relationships with students makes them want to stay in school and they see that you are vested in them not only as students but as individuals that you would like to see succeed in the industry that you are representing.
