I know how important it is for an instructor to take time to not only welcome a student but that you as an a educator wants to actively guide them to succeed. This will allow each individual to blossom
Very important. A student wants to feel wanted and welcomed. And will be less likely to attend if they feel alienated or ridiculed.
Alfredo,
Knowing that their instructor cares about their success is a powerful motivator for most students. They want to do well so their instructor will be proud of them. In addition, students that have supportive instructors have much higher retention rates.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Its important in the sence that you should show empathy to individual situations. Show the students that they are not a number, that they do matter to the learning and education process.
Noah,
You have shared some good advice for instructors. Be human and be supportive. This will help students to see that you want them to be successful if they are willing to put forth the effort needed. Despite their life challenges they do have a rich future ahead if they acquire the needed knowledge and skills.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I also have encountered students with external problems such as living in their cars, or have had nothing to eat but macaroni and cheese for weeks at a time. I try to be available whenever they need to talk. Sometimes all they need is to know someone cares enough to listen, they are not expecting you to fix their problems. I have often said to them, "You wont fix your problem in the next few hours, so let's focus on class for now and we will brainstorm to find a solution after class." Many times after completeing the program students thank me for keeping them focused and making class the only stable event in their life at the time. I do realize this wont work for all students as some require a little more empathy from us as instructors. All we can do is try to do the right thing. Not just as an instuctor, but as a person.
is important to put in place the student in many cases we have students that work quite reach the gray class, stressed, then we must take this into account in order to achieve our learning goals, the human factor also includes respect for our students, respect their goals and the different techniques that we use so that they achieve these goals.
I believe it to be the key to a student's success in the classroom. As educators, f we do not show the human factor, we will lose our students.
Anna-Maria,
Personality is a big part of being an instructor. The human factor goes a long way in keeping students in classes. Thanks for sharing these comments with us.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is extremely important, especially in the adult learner setting. we as instructors have to try to help the students when we sense something is wrong. We have to show that we care and these actions in turn will help the students succeed. We should not turn a blind eye on a student who keeps quite in class or seems lost mentally. We have to be personable.
Clyde,
Application and relevancy are very important in the learning process. Your second sentence captures what it is all about. Show them the connections between class content and their careers. This is when they really start to get excitement about what they are learning.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
An individual has to build self-efficacy,confidence by recognizing students progress, celebrating their achievements, and presenting models of success. Explain how classroom lessons apply to everyday life and show how the lesson’s relevance and it's application.
Eric,
Right you are and we instructors need to keep this in mind when working with students. We cannot compromise our standards but we can provide encouragement and support as needed to keep our students engaged and moving forward in their program.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
It is of the utmost importance. Going to school is stressful as it is. Going to school and working fulltime is even more stressful. ZGoing to school, working full time and raising three kids is even more stressful. The intructor should be a confidence builder, letting the students know on an individual level that they are going to be ok and that they are a valued member of our academic community
Amanda,
Great story, thanks for sharing it with us. You are making a difference in the lives of your students as evidenced by their school attendance. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Lakithia,
So true and well put. We are the connecting link for many students between success and dropping out of school. Plus, by displaying the human factor you are providing support to your students in ways that are beyond measurement on a short term basis.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
I completely agree that students should be excited about coming to class because it is a "safe place" where they can learn and know that they are accepted. I teach Accounting, which can be overwhelming and perceived as boring, but after the first class my students know that the material may be tough but we will learn together.
In my experience, human factor is key in student retention. I find that by showing respect, consideration and caring towards the student, they respect me back and appreciate the guidelines required for their learning.
with the type of students I have as adult learners I feel by making this a everyday practice and using the human factor ideas about caring and attention it has helped my classes retension 100% out of 31 students 3 weeks ago I have had two drops, both due to FA issues and they will both return in 2012
Thanks
Amanda
The human factor is very important to student retention because students not only want to learn but they also want to be treated with respect and compassion. When instructors treat the students in a caring fashion, they become relaxed and able to fully understand the material. This gives them a sense of feeling that their education is worthwhile.
