Hi Omar,
Communicate with your students so that you know what's going on. We need to know if our students are grasping material and staying focused.
Patricia
Hi B.,
Interaction with you student is a must. Interaction really leads to rapport building, and it also shows students how personable/approachable you are.
Patricia
Students need one-on-one with the instructor even if there are 30 students in the class. Many of our students feel that they are just a number and no one cares about how they do.
We use Student Advising sessions as one form of one-on-one. I have my faculty asked several pointed questions towards their opinions and feelings about the term. I have received a lot of great feedback and I can use that to improve the program.
It's important to involve the students and interact with each of them to give them a sense of belonging. This also reassures them that their input is important to you and that you are willing to listen.
I try to include my students in all discussions by asking questions as I'm lecturing. This gets them involved. It also involves critical thinking and many times initiates a group discussion. As I mentioned, I have a very small group of students this term, so I am able to do this.
Not only is it incumbent upon educators to make personal contact with each student, but logic dictates that if we're going to have any kind of relationship with someone, we must communicate frequently with them. Only then can we make any kind of assesment as to their progress,the mental outlook, or what stage they're at, along the learning continuum.
YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO INTERACT WITH EVERY STUDENT AT SOME POINT. IF YOU CAN GET THEM TO OPEN UP TO YOU THEY WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS GOING ON IN THEIR PERSONAL LIVES THAT MIGHT BE AFFECTING HOW THEY ARE DOING THEIR SCHOOL WORK. IF THEY LOOK TO YOU TO MODEL PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR THEY WILL LEARN TO TRUST AND CONFIDE IN YOU.
For professional and personal reasons it is important to interact. Every student is there to learn and we as instructors have to know whether they are engaged in the process of learning throughout the day.
As well, finding out if that student is having a bad or good day; if he is worried about external issues or has good news to share can only happen if we have interaction.
I also find it more interesting for myself to know how each person is doing and I can catch issues sooner and usually resolve them quickly.
Although I will concede that it can be exhausting "getting to know" every student each day, especially on days with taxing subject matter.
Hi Beth,
Way to go! It is important to learn student names. Students feel a level of importance when you can communicate with them by name.
Patricia
Hi Diego,
Students get a sense of comfort knowing that you care. As educators we should be caring.
Patricia
The Interaction with the students allows the instructor to assess the student’s skills and put together a plan to help them improving; if you care about the students it would keep them motivated.
Students are more likely to get involved when they feel they are part of a group. When they realize they are not a number, that you truly want to get to know them they will feel as though they can contribute to discussions. I make it a personal goal to learn every students name by the end of the first week, but usually it is after the first class. Then they see I am interested in them.
Hi Arlene,
It is imperative to involve ALL students. All students should feel as though they are treated the same.
Patricia
Every student needs to believe that you as an instructor care about their success in your class and in the future.
Students will be much more successful if they can tell that you know who they are, know their name and are in tuned to their progress or lack thereof.
Interacting with all students not just some or the ones that contribute brings the class together if simply by observation. It brings a common goal to the class.
Hi Rhonda,
It is important to interact with students. Students must take responsibility for their own actions. Students need to and like to be complimented. A compliment goes a long way.
Patricia
Every student needs to feel important. They will respond better to the instructor, as well as the other students. Students need to be recognized. Make every effort to focus on every student in your classroom.
It is imperative that every student is held accountable for his work. It is easy, especially in large classes to let that one slip out without acknowledgement or recognition. If the student realizes from the start that he will be addressed without forewarning then he'll be less likely to show up unprepared or with an attitude. I think also it just builds a great rapport between faculty and students, levels the playing field.
The first day of class I make it a point to remember one thing about that student such as how many kids they have so they live at home, what type of partime job do they have this is a great way for me to interact with them on a daily basis when they come into the classroom I ask how was work or how are those kids it really means alot to the students it shows you care and are insterested in them as a person.
Hi Roy,
Students should know that they are very important. Small talk daily goes a long way with students. Everyone needs some attention.
Patricia
