Developing a rapport with students, and understanding there is no format for creating a positve and fun learning environment.
But there is you.
It's a great idea to think of openers for each day of class, because some days the students are really having a tough day outside of class. It's important to decompress prior to start of class.
It was good to learn about engaging more with studetns by having a bit of fun, lightheartedness especially at the beginning of class to promote engagement and have students be interested in the next class. I learned that it is important to tell students how to succeed, give recognition and rewards. I have learned that competition is important, but it is important to make sure competition is not too intense.
Allow adult learners to have a few moments of child like behavior to look forward to such as a goofy holiday or event to help relieve stress of class.
Remember the human factor. Find creative was to engage students. Have a celebration sometimes. Show students your take their learning seriously
Again, I agree with these wonderful strategies which I have been using for many years. I do want to stresss the point about starting the class with some light hearted discussion to get the students warned up to the discussion. In my online class, I log on early. I play a little jazz, as waiting music until the class time starts and students log in. Students look forward to it, and remind me of playing the specific song I use because it helps them settle in. I also give them some history as to why I chose that jazz song, and why I'm sharing that personal event with them. I also greet the students as they log on to the system. Students are confortable using the chat feature as I encourage them to interact socially.
From the previouse module, I've learned that by being creative when approaching a subject, we can keep the students engaged in learning. Adding some excitment and providing a different view by the use of analogies, can impact the way a struggling student succeeds. As Instructors, we can acknowledge the student simply by learning their name and therefore, creating a respectful environment.
One point I did learn is that many adult learners return to the classroom, thinking like a high school student instead of as an adult. This is interesting, because they already have some life experience which can be shared with their peers. Returning to that old learning mentality can be detrimental to their learning. So remind yourself that the adult learner has life experience and can contribute in ways we can only imagine.
1. Set a good tone to the learning environment.
2. Build rapport with students by learning names and history
3. Prepare to follow your plan but also be prepared to deviate as needed
Reply to Felicia Roberts's post:Hello Felicia. Inteersting comment, Can you elaborate what you put on class cards?
Reply to Rose Elam's post:Hello Rose, I have the same feeling. Thanks for sharing your comment.
"Nothing breeds success like success" Keeping that in mind, I always find a way to create an activity that the instruction is easy to follow and easy to accomplish. I enjoy the learn and apply as a bite size chunks of mini lectures which results in the best performance for the students.
Active learning and respecting each individual as an adult is necessary. The context of the information presented should meet the goals of the class as well as the goals of the student. Each individual should be held accountable, but the structure of the course shouldn't be so strutured or strict to the point that there is no fun involved in the learning process.
In one of my classes, I would have music playing as the clss would enter. I had the class email me with songs they would like me to put on the class play list, I would vet them for content, and I made it a point to shuffle through these songs. It was well received and added a personal touch to the class.
I will likely reward students in a small way for participation or acheievements above what was expected of them.
I've learned to be receptive to the feelings and needs of the students. I've learned to care and I've learned to trust and respect each and everyone.
Be prepared but go with the flow in the classroom. Show your enthusiasm for the content and for student success. Allow them space and time to actively engage with the content and offer prompts to guide them rather than spoon feeding them information.
Be fun, be creative, make them look forward to your class! There is a saying, "People will forget 80% of what you say, but they will never forget how you make them feel!"
I enjoyed the analogy of teaching is like riding a horse, how tight you pull back, the more resistance may be built
Human factor is the key to retention. Personalize their goals, expectations, and roads to success.
