Knowing Your Students
Knowing Your Students
Student who are right out of high school prefer to be passive students where there is more structure. While the more adult students prefer to be active students, they like to be engaged in the process of their learning right away. The instructor should set the atmosphere of the classroom on the very first day to set the tone for the rest of the term. It should be positive, and open, letting the students know that they will be involved their learning process.
Richard,
Good way to get everyone involved and sharing. By using a soft approach like this even the shy students don't feel threaten or afraid to share.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
One thing I do is announce at the beginning of each class that each person must answer a question or give a practical example of the discussion at hand. You quickly recognize the students who are outgoing and shy. I humorously encourage the entire class to participate in order for all to benefit.
Dwane,
This has been my experience as well and this is why I work very hard to make sure and engage the shy or more quiet students. It is easy to overlook the quieter students and yet when they are drawn into the class everyone benefits from their contributions.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree in the positive and open environment.
I have also found that high achievers of any group tend to be more active in the learning process.
Hi Ava, I have enjoyed your commet here.
Alo, I would like to add that generational awareness of the students will help us manage the classroom much more effectively. For example, a Traditionalist will not relate to some of the technology being introduced into the content as well as a Millennial. Therefore, we must be diligent when caterign the message to our audience.
Ava,
Good point because it is important that all students be involved and participate in the class sessions. The more you can set each student at ease the more they will become engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
