I very much relate to this, when learners are actively engaged in a class they will not be thinking too much about personal issues. The classroom is a clean slate for them to participate, succeed and be acknowledged in a positive environment.
Anne,
It is the main reason we are educators. We are bringing our experience and personalities to the classroom to help our students learn and move closer to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Extremely important. The human factor that shows that you care and want the student to succeed outweighs the benefits otherwise. Only the student can feel the energy that the instructor is generating and the care and knowledge comes as well. Being human with a heart is a must in the field of education and the interaction with the students.
Tracy,
Good point that can be used to help your students when they start to be overwhelmed with life pressures. The time spent in class is helping them to move closer to their career goals while giving a break during the class meeting times.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Recently a coworker spoke to me concerning how her time spent earning her bachelor's degree was an escape from daily life.
Richard,
I start with three things the first day. "Courtesy is owed" I would be courteous to you if you are courteous to me. That is a reasonable expectation for human beings. Next "Respect is earned". I will work to earn your respect and in return I will respect you. Third, "Rapport is developed" Rapport is a working relationship that comes out of mutual respect and is what instructors desire to have with their students. As you can see it is a two way street because the students in order to get respect and develop rapport have to contribute to the class as well.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Very important! I think we should never lose sight of the fact that students are individuals who deserve our respect. To demonstrate a caring attitude to every student gives them a feeling of self worth. Knowing that I care about them as individuals goes a long way toward positively influencing them to "stay the course!"
Madelaine,
What a great way to start off a new class. You have demonstrated to your students that you care about them individually since you already know their names and something about them. I know this forms the foundation for mutual respect for all involved.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree that during the first day of class, I have memorized the names of my students before class so that I could associate the faces with the names. It is important that they know I care about them as human beings and also develop rapport with them.
Krystal,
This is a challenge because life issues can creep into the classroom quickly since that student may be in class but she is still worried about child care or a car that won't run. So we strive to be supportive but not enabling as we help our students continue their education journey.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have to deal with this quite a lot as well. its very difficult to leave problems at the door, especially as big as they can be sometimes. We do have to hit it home to our students that if they are having a problem at home, then they should feel comfortable to come and speak with an instructor. It helps instructors to understand that yes in fact the student is struggling, not just treating school like it doesnt matter.
Thomas,
So true and so important. The human side of teaching is just as important as is the technical side. We model so much for our students so they need to see our human side in the process of acquiring the technical content and skills.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
You must be a human being to interact with others. I have found that being understanding as to ones needs gives you more respect in the class. There is a lot going on in some students lifes and sometimes they need someone other than family or friends to talk to.
Mariann,
Knowing their instructor cares about their success is a powerful motivator for students. By listening to them and providing support a message is being sent that helps the students to see they are not the only ones that want success to come to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When students are struggling it is important to find out the reason. We should offer support and I strongly encourage positive feedback and any extra tutoring that may be neded.
Mariann Urbancsik
Angela,
The human factor is important in everything we do so we need to display it with our students while helping them to see how it fits into their career preparation.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I find that to be very believable. I see that in my adult students before, during, and after class
Melvin,
Yes, the do. Many have had little or no contact with a supportive authority figure like an instructor. We are helping them to see that they are valued and we are there to help them be successful if they will put forth the effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor is important in retention because we are dealing with adult students who have issues that needs human approach.
LaTerria,
This is the rewarding part of being an educator. We get to learn from and share with our students. In addition, through the sharing of our human side we are impacting their lives as they move close to their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
