When I am teaching techniques that do not come naturally, I entertain the students with stories from when I was in school. I tell them about what I mistakes I made and the crazy stuff other people have done. Most of the time, the stories make them feel more comfortable that they are not the only ones that find the new task difficult. If nothing else, they laugh and the tension eases.
The connected element; in other words having the student feel the instructor shares with them the outcome, truly having a sense of their well being and accomplishment.
Karen,
Your comments made me smile. Students for the most part don't think about the fact that all of their instructors are former students themselves. Being students was and is how we got to be instructors. So by sharing our backgrounds and the struggles as well as the victories that came with being students they can develop an understanding and appreciate the fact that we do understand what they are going through.
Gary
Janelle ,
This is such an important point for all instructors to remember but even more important for online instructors. As you say it is easy for them to feel they are forgotten or not valued and then they are gone. So bringing the human factor into the learning process is a must if we are to keep them engaged.
Gary
Evelyn,
Good example. As long as the instructor keeps the over all goal in mind the distractions will become less and less.
Gary
Students may forget you were in their position at one time, in the classroom , learning new material, completing new assignments. The instructor must convey their understading of students concerns, frustrations and joys that are in tandem with learning. With the realization you are understanding and care about their success, allows them to relax abit.
I believe that the human factor is everything in regards to student retention. It is important that students feel valued. This is especially important with online courses as students can sometimes feel as though they are in cyberspace and do not have a connection to their courses.
It's like the first time you get behind the wheel of a car...your so nervous you fiddle with the gear shift ,go in the wrong direction,you turn on the windsheild wipers by mistake.As time passes you look back and see all that you have accomplished and it wasn't as hard as you think.
Gary,
I agree! After 15 years of teaching, I have learned there are students who want too much hand-holding, so the most that I do is help them set goals in a manageable sequence (e.g. thesis statement next supporting points next research to support points, etc). Also, I always ask "Did you read the chapters assigned? What did you not understand?" If he or she did not read, I ask them to read the chapters, and then, come back with specific questions. I provide models from previous students, too, and direct them to those models. Finally, I am willing to look at a draft of an assignment as long as it is submitted to me with sufficient time to review assignment before the deadline.
Thank you for your response!
Cynthia
Cynthia,
A straight forward easy to understand approach to your students. If they put forth the effort you will help them progress in their knowledge and skills. This is what teaching is all about, but many times the students want the professor to do the work for them.
Gary
Joshua,
I agree: Sincerity and dedication are characteristics that show our students we truly care about the subjects we teach and promote student learning.
Hi Bethanne,
I love it when I see that a student suddenly "get it" or has an aha moment! I celebrate those moments with them, and if a student is still struggling, I work with the student to get to that aha moment.
Cheers,
Cynthia
I think it's important for students to see that I am a caring professor who is interested in their viewpoints, and that I provide a safe and open classroom which invites debate and discussion of all related work and personal experiences which apply to the topic of discussion. I think it's important for them to see that I grade fairly and consistently provide timely feedback. I set expectations and policies, and I apply them equally across the board although certainly I invite students who are struggling to meet with me to offer additional support and guidance on assignments.
And it is also important to let it be known to each individual that we, as instructors, care about each of their successes individually, and collectively as a group. Crucial, even.
Bethanne,
I like your approach to teaching. You are engaging your students in both the professional and personal areas of development. You are modeling behavior and enthusiasm for the field and that sets the stage for their success. Keep up the good work.
Gary
Evelyn ,
Right you and something we need to always keep in the front of our minds as we work with students.
Gary
The human factor is important because it allows the student to focus on learning instead of worring about the class dynamic. As a instructor if we show we care it helps the students overcome the stress they may be feeling. I have found short examples of past job experiences helps and allows students to open up and share their thoughts as well. The bonus is this takes place before class and for most students it is their favorite part of class so they arrive early.
Luckily, I am in the nursing field and my students are entering the same field..... Being fair and caring should be a prerequisite to the healthcare field. Anything expected of any student should be directly reflected from their mentor. How else can a mentor/instructor build any credability in what they teach. Entering the healthcare field can be scarey at the start. The students perform better if they know their instructor is fair and cares about them and not playing favorites or grading them based on anything other than their newly aquired skills. I especially like it when students see me celebrate their successes with them. Or when a student is having difficulty with something and we can work on it together.
It is so important that the challenge in educating is not in doing the work that was actually contracted, it is building the personal interface between you, your students, and the management of the classroom.
Luequiten,
Good point and one we need to always keep in mind as we work with students.
Gary
