Encouragement and Understanding I think helps
I find in my classroom. I try to be that teacher I wanted in school. I am constantly encouraging my students. When things come up I feel I am very understanding and like working things out with the student to see them succeed in my class.
Thanks, Patricia. I am going to steal one of your favorite quotes and keep it with my pre-conference notes to remind me how important it is to offer encouragement and undertanding to my students. We work in a clinical setting and our days get very hectic, with so much knowledge to cover, and procedures to perform. I read several of the other threads and due to my working situation, the comments here are especially pertinent. I have seen how important encouragement is to students, even when they fail. It can make the difference, if they ever come back and try again. Appreciate all the discussion comments.
Forrest, I like how you said "help students help themselves." When unexpected events come up that get in the way of school deadlines (such as the death of a family member), I think it's important that instructors understand the student's situation and show some care/concern for the student. I also think it is important to work with the student to help himself/herself succeed in the class. Sometimes a little friendly advice and concern for the student goes a long way, and the student feels much more motivated to complete the assignment, participate in the course, etc. In short, I just wanted to tell you that I really liked the "helping students help themselves" comment!
I agree that encouragement and understanding are extremely important for an instructor to impart. As educators in an adult setting, where so much "real life" can get in the way, we have many opportunities to express our concern and work with our students to resolve and overcome issues. It is a wonderful feeling to help students help themselves.
I really enjoy that aspect of a new class. Getting to know the students helps me to understand their reason for being there and their willingness to learn. I can tell the best learning strategies for that particular class after those "getting to know each other" sessions. I think it gets across to them that I am there to help them reach their goals and that I want to help them reach their goals the best way I can.
Hi Rick,
I can tell you are caring, and you have your students best interest at heart. On of my favorite quotes, "A student doesn't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Patricia
