I've worked with Adult learners for years now and in different capacities. What I always find intriuging is that motivating students and accomodating to their many different styles, cultures, and needs, is a dynamic art to be perfected. It all starts with you, as an instructor. How you approach your students, from the first word out of your mouth, to the support and knowledge you project, has a major impact on their learning and willingness to learn.
I agree on this. I love seeing the lightbulb effect with the students. When their eyes light up and they understand and then they become confident enough to come up to the board and finish math problems or talk in discussion about the topic of the day.
I agree if you are not confident in yourself how can you instill confidence in others
Rebecca, good for you. Too many instructors today use the excuse of how they were taught as an explanation for not wanting to try new techniques. There was a time in human history where the weak of the community were cast out for fear of bringing down the rest of the tribe. Thank goodness we learn as we grow and new techniques can be used to allow even greater growth and building skills.
James Jackson
I teach medical classes and it has been awesome to see their faces light up when they finally "get it". Some of the classes are very hard and it is rewarding to the student to gain that knowledge.
identifying and overcoming yourown self doubt is one of the most effective tools in passing this ability on to students
I am a Chef Instructor and was also taught in the old fashioned method of "Duck and cover!" That method quickly breaks down the student and forces them to sink or swim. I remember a lot of tears and an 80% drop rate.
Although that worked for my instruction, that is NOT how I run my class room. I work hard to be approachable and constructive. I also try to start every product assessment with a positive comment and work into where they can improve.
Kathy, great point. A technique I have seen used successfully is to explain to students how failure is part of the learning process. A natural progression towards some level of mastery is the intended outcome so early failures will turn into later success. By discussing this process with students they are more willing to move forward with less doubt.
James Jackson
david, really great point and is a fundamental technique in teaching with respect to teach, demonstrate and then do. It is the repetition of both instruction and performance the translates into transfer of knowledge and skill.
James Jackson
Gregory, great point you bring forward. By creating small "win" situations students gain more confidence to accomplish more complex tasks.
James Jackson
Mark , what was it about her skill set that led you to offering a position? What type of a case study could you create that could be of value to other students with self-doubt issues?
James Jackson
Emily, thanks for sharing. Remaining positive and encouraging students through positive reinforcement of the lesson plan has its advantages.
James Jackson
Karissa, Wow, you bring a new meaning to "Hands on Instruction". What a great example of putting yourself in the lesson plan and adjusting to the needs of your students. Thanks so much for sharing and I think you have the best job ever. : - )
James Jackson
Trevor, great point concerning the ESL students. The reality here is all students are different and just as their are many different learning styles, we as instructors can match that with applying different teaching methods. Even within the same classroom group different strategies may need to be applied to different students. Not one size will fit all and trying to force such a situation tends to be the sign of weak instructional methodology. Glad you enjoyed the course and thanks for your awesome insight and comments.
James Jackson
Eric, this is what the exceptional instructors do, inspire students to achieve above their own expectations. Great job.
James Jackson
Anna, providing real-world examples is always a good technique. Great job using this in your teaching tool kit.
James Jackson
In Screamin' Eagle we are the pinicle of the educational mountain. Our lesson plan is so fast paced that the students have doubts they can complete all the assigned tasks. Mid way into the second week (of a 3 week coarse)they reliase they have all the tools and knowage to achieve their goals. It's a awe inspiring experience to guide them through this transition.
In the court reporting program, unfortunately the student fails more often than they succeed since the nature of learning the skill is repetivive practice work/assessments until mastery is acheived at progressing speed levels. Some students advance quicker than others; this can be very difficult for the student who is not - in their own perception - advancing as quickly as their peers.
I have found that structured instruction is very important for students to succeed along with also giving the student the choice to work within the "type" of practice that "works" best for their learning style. I have found that students become motivated when they master little tasks; then when the "test" comes, they are more confident with their ability. Then motivation is increased even more when I discuss my experiences in the field they are learning and the benefits they too will realize in their future.
I teach in a culinary school where we fabricate chicken. When asked, most students confessed that they purchase their chicken prefabricated because cutting up a chicken is too dauting. When they are taught to do it in class and they actually do it themselves (several times over the course of the term), their confidence builds. Repetition of the task helps them feel comfortable and gives them the confidence they need.
So true in what you wrote. I preach to my students and my children that failing is something we all do in life, it is what you do with that failure that counts. Did you learn any thing from it? Is there a silver lining in there? Growth comes from failing and being afraid to fail limits you in all you can be.
