The human factor is always the key to success. If people or individuals believe they are important to themselves and to their individual society / family / clan, then they will achieve higher success. As an instructor or leader and we fail in the human factor portion of our instruction or leadership, then we have failed in the overall accomplishment of our assigned objectives and responsibility regardless of how much intelligence, capability, or capacity we imparted on our students.
After going thru this module, I realize human factor is imperative. I have no formal teaching experience, and never gave it much thought. I see I will need to figure a way to connect to students and show them that they are no different than I am, and at this point I see a very tough road ahead of me. But I think it will be more managable since I have done these modules.
Melonie:
These are really great strategies. I think something as simple as addressing a student by name in emails, discussion boards and assignment feedback makes a difference. I definitely notice when someone does not address me by name when sending an email, so I think it does matter.
Personally, I believe that the human factor is extremely important for we were all students once too! It is important to have good communication with the students and to remember we live in a busy - hussle/bussel society. Keeping the best interest of our students first, it will help improve the retention rate. Many of them experience busy lives, children, school, and working at 2 or more part time jobs to make ends meet. The stress is enourmous and we must be willing to bend and work with them a little more than what has been done in the past. I have always found offering the possibility of making up work at midterms has helped to improve the retention rate in my courses.
I challenge myself the first day, I have a new group. I let my students know that my test is to learn everyone's name that day. They see myself setting a goal and working hard to achieve it. I repeat the names as much as I can in class to help with this. I also have everyone do a short introduction. I try to set this up in a casual, conversational atmosphere. I feel by doing these things everyone begins to get the human factor in each other and helps to form bonds between all of us.
I catch students in between breaks to talk with them and ask how class is going and are there any problems. I email students when they miss class as well.
Hi Stacey,
Good approach to helping your students see the connection between the classroom and the upcoming real world. The more examples they can see of how they can transfer their newly acquired knowledge and skills to the work setting the easier the transition is going to be for them.
Gary
It is very important that students are recognized for their life experiences and treated as adults. I try to treat my classes like a work situation where we are having meetings and discussions about key issues and I am there to lead and facilitate these sessions. I think this approach works very well.
The human dimension is what underlies the overall retention strategy
Hi Kim,
I commend you for the strategies that you are using in coping with situation that enables you to work with your students in spite of the pressure of getting through the material and dealing with large numbers of students. This is a sign of a true educator and dedicated professional.
Gary
It is interesting to work with these types of students. I try to challenge them to try one thing that they never have done so that they can expereince the unknown. It gives them a new perspective about learning.
Barb
Teaching a predominantly lecture class with such a limited time with the students it can be difficult establishing that one-on-one relationship that I would like to have. Trying to have a moment with one student, while five others are standing waiting to speak with you, is almost impossible. Making a general announcement about make-up testing, homework completion, etc.... doesn't seem to ellicit the response I would like to have. I have begun to call on a few students by name each day to meet with me after class to discuss their progress and offer suggestions for improvement.
One thing I do need to be more diligent about is reinforcing the positive aspects and progress instead of just telling them what needs to be improved upon.
Hi Thomas,
Good point about working with these challenging students. The human factor can help you get through to them or at least help them to understand the necessity for learning the course content, even if they already know everything in the world.
Gary
Hi Lori,
I think you are doing a great service to and for your students by helping them with their communication skill development. All careers require communication so the better these skills are the greater their career growth and opportunities for advancement.
Gary
The human factor is very important in retention and also in estabishing a rapport with the students,as they would understand that as an Instructor I care about them as individuals.The students could perceive easily if as an Instructor I care honestly about them as individals and also about seeing them succesfull in the healthcare field.
I have a few students who no matter how hard you try, they are always looking for the short cut, or already think they KNOW the answer. The human factor is just as important when their filters are already pre-engaged, maybe more so.
I think that sometimes we forget why we teach. It is not about us, but about the positive influence we can make on others through sharing information and experiences.
I believe that the human factor is the key to making each student feel that they are an important factor in the learning process. It gives them the confidence and desire to come back to class for more.
For me to be comfortable with any attrition, I need to know I have done EVERYTHING I could to assist that student in being successful in their education. I understand we can not save them all, but I do ask myself that questions before I withdraw any student.
It is vital that students know that you care. Giving timely and personalized feedback is crucial. It lets the student know that you took the time to actually read and analyze the assignment they worked so hard on. When constructing feedback it is especially important to point out what you liked about the assignment instead of simply stating how the student could improve his/her work next time.
I try to emphasize to my students that even though I do not teach English, I am going to point out grammatical errors because proper writing is a skill that we all need to hone in our professional lives.
Lori
