It's the most important factor in retention.
Retention is much better when students view the instructors as a fair, caring and understanding person. Helping and counseling students on class and sometimes personal matters goes a long way. Respect from students is earned
Part of recognizing the importance of the human factor in facilitation is developing intuition as to how the student is feeling on this particular day. A real world example I had last week is a student became very frustrated when I told her she may not pass if she did not catch up on her assignments, i.e. homework. The student threw a fit and left the classroom (and complained to the dean:)) Instead of trying to rectify while the student was upset, I sent the student an e-mail requesting a meeting to discuss the situation. I told her I understood she was having a bad day and that my intent was not to flunk her, but I wanted her to know I was in charge and she would need to meet the course requirements in order to pass the class. We ended up meeting the next day and the student let me know of her issues and we worked through the problems. Although her personal problems were not going to affect my decision to require the late assignments, it helped to listen to her and show her I would not hold a grudge because of her actions the previous day.
One way I connect with students during the first day of class is to invite them to my office to exchange a "ticket" for a sweet treat. In this way, I extend a personal invitation so they can see where I "live", offer motivation for them to locate me both today and in the future, review their names/program and offer encouragement/support. In essence, I strive to develop a relationship early on so that when the inevitable issues arise, they feel comfortable sharing with someone who is "human" to them.
Salvatore ,
This is a good strategy to use. It helps the students to develop their critical thinking skills and make application of the new content they have learned.
Gary
A good approach might be to create a hypothetical in which the student will need to apply what they've learned in a new or different situation. Ask them how they'd handle that particular set of facts, and then why they'd do it that way. After that, ask them what they would think would happen if they hadn't resolved the situation using their newly-acquired information. Hopefully you'll then have an "aha!" moment where the student realizes that their new skill can keep them out of trouble or maximize positive outcomes.
Meredith,
So true and so important for the students to know. They need to know you are their advocate if they are willing to put forth the effort needed to be successful.
Gary
I think the human factor is the most important factor in student retention. As a student myself, I have always gravitated towards instructors who seemingly took the extra time to show that I am more than just another student in another semester.
Because we are humans ourselves, it is just common sense that we treat students as being humans. We were once students ourselves, and many people treated us like we were humans, and we faired well. When students know that they are being treated fair, then they will not onlybuy into your teaching, but buy into their learning.
I think the human factor is very important in student retention. As humans, we all experience various emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc. It would be advantageous for instructors to acknowledge and respect the fact that we, meaning instructors and students, are all human and many of us are dealing with some of the same issues.
I feel that the human factor is a huge role in student retention in our schools. We have to seem approachable to our students. If we show caring and understanding, it make a large difference in a student's academic success.
It's very important. Instructors must remember that students come to class with real life issues, problems and worries that is sometimes on their minds. A stressed student may not have time to study and/or focus. Therefore, I make it a practice to give every student 1 gimme to take a test at a later date if they have a relevant reason for not being able to study. I found that that makes the student see that I care more about their success than just giving them an exam that they will most likely fail. They tend to appreciate that and work harder for me in the long run.
The human factor is very important in student retention. Our students are the reason why we are here at the college in the first place; therefore, we must treat them with uttermost respect. We should be able to identify our students by name on the first day of class, or definitely the second day. We must let our students know that we are concerned about their success here at the college; and find out what we can do to assist them in gaining that success, even if it means working with students individually. Students will begin to build a rapport with their instructors and also develop a means of confidence and respect for us as their professors.
I believe the human factor plays a very large part in the life of a student. I have seen students that come to class and expect to just pay attention to the work assigned, but then at break, the student calls home only to find out that there is an emergency and they either have to leave the class, or think about the problem the remaining class time. Neither of these situations are classified as good for the student or the class. The student is totally consumed by the problem and the class work and discussion is actually shut off in the brain. As an instructor, when you stand in front of the class, the blank stares tell the story of the problems the students face in life. Instructors need to let the students know and be aware that life continues to happen while they are in school. We need to be ready for everyday problems of the student. Just knowing their name is not enough, we do need to know a little background. When the students share, others in the class may have suggestions and help. We are, afterall, human.
VITAL... being able to understand or at least try to relate to the unforseen circumstances that many students face on a daily basis.. remembering where we came from & NOT using judgment will help us to assist every student to acheive success
I completely agree with this we should have their attention from start to finish
I believe the 'human factor' is important in the entire instructional process. Establishing a positive and open relationship with students in the very beginning will support a level of comfort and compassions within the classroom. I make it a point on the first day to create that type of inviting environment for them. I believe it reinforces for them a coalition and collaboration between them, the instructor and the institution.
One of my co-workers once said that class time should be the highlight of the students' day. All of thier problems should be on the back burner while they are with us and they should look foreward to coming back each day.
Supporting students, and their goals. Providing a suitable learning environment will absolutely give an educator an edge in effective teaching. The humanistic role we play simply adds to the instructional method and overall class education.
I think it really helps set up good expectations for the learning process in school to be engaged and caring with the students and will set the stage for better workplace habits when the students see that what they are learning is going to be applied. I firmly believe that when people are treated with understanding and respect, they will unconsciously pass it on. It will possibly make a situation where the students when they get to careers will have the life-long habit of learning also. Mindy Smith
