Susan,
Excellent point and one we need to keep in front of our minds as we work with students. We need to act on a behavior or observation, not being intrusive but supportive so the problem doesn't get out of hand and the student is lost.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
William,
Thank you for sharing this example of how an instructor impacted your life and helped you to create a future in education. His dedication and your expertise have blended to result in you helping many students be successful not only in the classroom but also in their personal lives.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is extremely important! When you develop a relationship with each student, you can often intervene early when problems arise. Early intervention is key to retention, and the human factor makes a huge difference in the student feeling comfortable communicating problems to you.
I recall instructors in my past that I remember and will never forget. Mr Short, electronics teacher...he didn't just teach from a lesson plan or give homework to keep us busy, but he actually got involved with each of us...made me feel that I had accomplished something...even when I failed the project goal, he would use that opportunity to show us how to overcome that failure. He turned the failure into a success. This made me want to continue on..learning more. One on one, not treating each student as a cookie cutter project but personalizing each student molding them into successful employees.
Lisa,
Good point because students frequently leave their class content at the classroom door. The more we can help them see relevancy and make application of what they are learning the more valuable their education becomes to them.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
ADULT STUDENTS HAVE MANY ROLES TO PLAY. NO MATTER HOW FOCUSED THEY ARE MANY THINGS MAY BE ON THEIR MINDS. ONE OF OUR GREATEST CHALLENGES IS TO TEACH THEM HOW TO APPLY SOME OF THIS KNOWLEDGE IN BOTH THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES. THIS WILL LET THEM REALIZE THAT SCHOOL IS NOT ONLY ABOUT WORK, BUT LIFE SKILLS AS WELL. L.CARLEY LPN
Natalie,
Good point and well said. We need to keep the human factor at the front of our minds so our students know they have our support if they are willing to put forth the effort to be successful.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor is extremely important in student retention because people do not care what you know until they know that you care.
Cody,
You are a role model for your students. I love hearing stories like this because they illustrate that everyone can be successful if they will work at it. You never lost sight of your goal and you achieved it. You are teaching the students that they can be successful if the don't let life overwhelm them. Keep up your efforts and I wish you continued teaching success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Sheila,
Right you are about how instructor roles have changed. We need to strive to show our students that we respect and value them. We want them to see that we are going to provide support to them if the are willing to put forth the effort and invest the time to learn.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I have several students that are having a hard time in life just as you were saying. The way that I try to encourage them is to share my own story with them: while going to school myself, I was evicted from my apartment because of a job loss and had to live in a storage unit. School was my priority, as it was my path to a better life. I graduated top of my class despite the hardships, and now I have a great life and am teaching at the same school I graduated from. I think that this has helped my students realize that, if they stick with it, they can accomplish wonderful things and have the life that they want.
The human factor is critical. Gone are the days when the instructor lectured glaring from the podium. Today's students need to know that every instructor is fair and cares about their success. Our students face many barriers in life and the human factor often gets them through the roughest times.
Suzarie,
Like your definition of the human factor. It is so critical that we display this part of our instructional modeling because it does make the difference for a lot of students between staying in school and dropping our. Many need that connection with the instructor.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Human factor in student retention is an instructor who shows compassion and understanding for individual issues; one who takes the time to listen and suggests professional resources for students who are dealing with personal issues. These actions may make them feel validated.
Estella,
Good point and one we need to remember as we start discussion sessions with our students. If they feel comfortable and supported by us they will be more likely to participate and contribute.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is imporant for the student to feel like the instructor is a human so that there is likelyhood that more questions will be asked therefore the student will feel comfortable and stick around
Tiana,
Having support from one's instructor is very important. You are sending your students a very clear message that you want them to be successful and will help them to be such if they are willing to put forth the effort needed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Cynthia,
Fair and caring. Simple and to the point in relation to human interaction and connection. Both of these words show students that they are valued and we instructors want to help them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the needed effort.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
It is very important. I try to be as fair as I can when dealing with student problems and grading tests. My students can count on the fact that they know I want them to do well and that I will help them acheive their goals here.
Lucinda,
Well said in terms of how our personality and attitude can impact the learning of our students. They need to see us as the learning leader that cares about their future and is there to support their success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
