Joe,
Thank you for the points you have made in this forum. You hit upon a number of elements needed for success as an instructor, one of the most important being the human factor. The human factor helps to create a connection with students upon which respect is earned and rapport is developed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor is very important in student retention. By using the techniques in this lesson, the instructor can set the stage for enjoyable, engaging learning. Students who feel they are not up to standard, falling behind or overwhelmed with problems are more likely to drop out. You do not have to coddle the students, but create an atmosphere of support, open learning, and active learning in the classroom. Value their opinions and input. Engage often and provide feedback. Encourage and correct each student as an adult. It isn't always easy, but do the right thing and maintain a professional classrtoom, a good learning environment and provide assitance when necessary.
Jerry,
Your last sentence really captures what we need to be about as instructors. We are dealing with human beings that need our support and leadership. If we provide these two items then it is up to them to provide the effort needed to acquire the competencies and information essential for career success.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I teach adult students trying to become nurses. The human factor is the single most important factor in these student's education. They must be treated not just as students but as adults trying to start their futures. They deserve respect and empathy. I must be cognizant of my tone of voice to ensure that I always deliver a positive message, even when dealing with a student that has failed a lesson or the class.
This educational program deals with the hopes and dreams of students. Some are trying to restart their careers later in life. I try hard to maintain a positive learning environment as well as maintain high standards of educational excellence. It is a hard balance at times, but very worthwhile.
Marc,
This is such an important part of the teaching process. We need to recognize and reinforce students as they progress through our courses.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Every student is given opportunities to shine. Recognition of this is important.
Sheila,
Those are valuable instructor characteristics. They are what makes the connection between the students and the instructor and leads to success in the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The answer in the previous Quiz re: human factor was Fair & Caring. I would add a few more adjectives like respectful of students, easily approachable, and prioritize what is needed and meaningful to the students by their feedback. I believe when students experience the above with their instructor, they will make good progress, stay motivated, and work hard to achieve their goals.
Lisa,
Good point because knowing their learning leader cares about them as individuals goes a long way in keeping them engaged.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The students will forget all the negatives and focus on instruction if they feel that the instructor truly cares for their success.
Manuel,
Thank you for sharing this personal example of how an instructor impacted your life as a student. This is what the human factor is about and we need to remember this as we interact with our students. A few minutes of time chatting with a student or helping him or her to understand a concept means so much to them and their success in the class.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
From my past teachings, I have found out the One-on-One with students is a necessity all the time.
Remembering my student days, there was NO human factor present in most of the instructors I had. there was one instructor that sparkle my interest in the class material. He showed me that he cared that I understood the concepts as he needed to explain it in many different ways so I could understand. Because of this instructor I enjoy math and am eager to find the math result of life experiences. One-on-One with the student works. I do yhis with my students and they appreciate it.
Seth,
So true and so important. This is the human factor in teaching and gets students settled into a course and relating to you the learning leader.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Showing individual attention connects with students and makes them feel comfortable. This helps support a positive classroom environment.
Dahlia,
Yes, the human factor is essential in the teaching process. Also, the interaction with students should be a major reason we are teaching and working to help them achieve their career goals.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Thomas,
Your last sentence really captures the essence of what we instructors need to be about. We need to have passion for our field and excitement about getting to teach about it. You are so right about how students sense whether we care about them and are enthusiastic about sharing content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The human factor is of utmost importance because if students dont feel a sense of concern or equality from the instructor they will definately be lost. They need to feel that they are heard and will be held as respected individuals no matter what.
Pandora,
Right you are because this is how rapport is developed with students and the learning process is enhanced.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
As an instructor it is imperative that I not just have knowledge and expertise, but that I am able to transfer that knowledge to my students. I find that enthusiasm is very important. It is hard for me to expect my students to be enthusiastic if I appear bored or unexcited about the subject myself. We need to be creative in developing our own enthusiasm in the classroom. Trust me... it is contagious.
It is in some ways as important as lesson plans and requirements. Attention to the human factor helps your student learn and also makes it more interesting for the instructor. A win-win situation.
