Dealing with students that demonstrate lack of interest
Being a new instructor, it is difficult to deal with students that demonstrated lack of interest. In the working field, you handle the situation differently with an employee. It seems that there is so much you can do within the teaching field. You try several ways to gain the student interest but ultimately it is up to the student.
Hi Dianne,
Great ways to generate interest! Students want to know and need to know how the skills will apply to the real world.
Patricia
I ask the student to remember why they enrolled in the class and their ultimate goal. I remind them why they need to learn what I am presenting to help them reach their goal. Also, I present an experience from my years in the medical field where the material I'm presenting was relevant and sometimes even critical. This has worked to "reawaken" the student's interest.
Dianne
We must show that the instruction now will earn you a dollar. It is not like high school where you get a general education. Every course is designed for you to become a medical professional in your chosen field. Therefore, interest is mandated.
This may be difficult for new instructors to do, but if your give the relevance you have experienced in your career, the student, who is serious, should fall into line.
Hi Daniel,
It is up to the student, but we as educators, as you have mentioned have to try everything possible. We are our students biggest cheerleaders.
Patricia
