Every Opportunity to Succeed
When I address a new class, and go over the expectations of the students, I make it perfectly clear that with effort and discipline my class is designed to give the student "every opportunity to succeed". This includes making myself readily available to students outside of the scheduled class, extra credit assignments and other grade boosting alternatives.
Hi Lisa,
It is good to know that we have great educators as yourself. I can tell you want your students to succeed. You are there for your students, and you make it known. Students need a strong support system, such as the one you provide. Kudo's!!
Patricia
I find that students may enter my class with pre-conceived notions of not only what the class is, but their ability to succeed or fail based upon their high school experiences. Many of them feel they were not given the resources (i.e. teacher access or attention) or personal interest to learn the material. Now they find themselves at a different point in their lives and desirous of success and they doubt their ability to measure up in college. I tell my students on the first day of class that I will not abandon them. If they want to earn an A, I will work right along side them. But, if they don't meet me half way, that falls on them. It is there choice, but I am here for them.
By being there and encouraging students to seize their educations, they become more confident and empowered. This, over the course of the program, snowballs and creates a new type of student--one that is confident and able to meet the challenges in the world of work.
Mark, I agree with being there for my students. I make it clear that each and every student is welcome and that I am here to help them achieve their goal. I have an open door policy, where I will make every effort to provide additional guidance, tutoring and encouragement. In our day and time, many of the students that come to us have been beaten down. These students have additional needs and it is my place as their instructor to encourage each and every student. Some need extra time and effort to reach their goal--and it is my place to do what I can--as long as they are making the effort and want to reach their goal.
Hi Mark,
Students need to know that you are in their corner, and you definitely are in your students corner. I am not a big fan of gade boosting alternatives, but I do everything in my power to ensure that students can receive an "A" if they apply themselves.
Patricia
