William,
I like this ice breaker. It is a new approach that is fun as well as informative for the students. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Teresa,
Good way to introduce the "human factor" as their instructor. You are showing them you care about their success and this results in their working to increase their engagement.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor is the key to retention. In order to keep students coming back they have to feel like they belong in the classroom. Students need to feel safe, accepted and appreciated. They need recognition and approval, all of which can be accomplished through an instructor who presents themselves as a fair and caring human being. The human factor and how you demonstrate it to your students is dependent upon student retention and student success.
Understanding where a student comes from, gives the instructor a better idea on how to approach motivating individuals within the classroom. To understand the human factor, I use a ball with various terms on it ranging from: Best job, worst job, Dream Job, Major and why they chose it, previous work experience. I toss the ball around the class and wherever their index finger landed, they have to give their response. I get a better understanding of where they were, and where they want to go.
i often hear my students talk about instructors who just come in and teach, never acknowledging the class and never stoping to see if that class understands the concepts of the lecture and the student dont want to show up to class. after hearing this i have maid sure that everytime my students walk in i greet them by name and ask how they are doing on mondays we spend 5-10 mins on concerns they had about last weeks lecture and periodically during my lectures i pause for understanding moments.
Justine,
The value of this is almost beyond measure because you will reap benefits of knowing them and their names throughout the course and beyond. Knowing their names is the foundation of respect and rapport.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Its so important to put a face with a name. Students feel important when you call them by their name or know their name when they come to you with an issue. They need to know they are not just a number.
I agree Nancy. It is my goal to further motivate the already enthusiastic students to succeed.
Being caring and fair will also earn you respect from your students.
This is a good way to look at it. Students must look forward to learning, and know that it will help them in their careers.
I think the human factor is very important. I think students do much better in academics if they can relate to their instructor. I try to bring my own personal experiences from the feild into the classroom. This helps students see that the material they are learning has real value when they get into the work enviornment. I try to keep it as light as pooible as well. I know how difficult hours of lecture can be. If the studnets see that I am someone they can relate to it makes their experience easier.
The Human factor in student retention is very important as it is a key in retaining students. Students are retained due to a Humans having to care for the students or have an interest in their life, education, or goal. Students sometimes get discourage, afraid, and even unfocused of their dreams. We as educators at times must help them see their vision, dreams, or career come true. Letting an at risk student know that you care engough to call or asist them. Confirms to that student that there is someone that care. Some students do not have a caring homelife. Some are the first of their family to attend school. So we as the human factor must show our compassion and help our students. If you are geniune with your help the retention wil happen.
Edward,
Life is full of challenges as we all know. I like that your school lets your students step out if they need to and then come back when they are ready. Your comments about rapport are right on target because having this rapport will enable you to be supportive as needed and help the students to continue their educational journey when they are ready.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor is very important. For example, many schools, including mine, offer students the option of taking a temporary leave of absence if events in their lives have become so demanding that they cannot give their studies the attention that they require. If faculty members have rapport with such students, the students will be more likely to be open about their situations, while faculty members will be more aware of which students are thinking of dropping out and should be encouraged to take a temporary leave instead.
Travis,
Being fair and consistent is essential for teaching success. If you aren't a user of either of these you will have a lot of challenges in maintaining control of the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Qadar,
You have a good strategy for starting a new class. This way you have a connection with each student and can move the class forward in getting ready to get engaged in the content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bronzel,
With adult students life challenges can really interfere with their education. For many of them the classroom is a refuge to which they go to learn and work on improving their lives. In the class they know that for a little while they don't have to worry about "real' life.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I think it is invaluable. Showing a genuine concern for your students sets the standard for their participation and drive to suceed. Being fair also allows every student to feel like they have the ability to be successful.
In the first day of the class, I handshake and introduce myself one student at a time. I found out that the handshake creates a quick rapport between us. It also creates a relaxed class environment. I also memorize their names that first day. During lecture we joke, not criticize, about the writer of the text book. I do not allow criticism in my class.
Very important. Students look up to us as leaders in their future career fields. As instructors we need to make them feel as though there goals are attainable.
