Get Your Students Hired
From my experience, you will never earn respect from your students when you bragg, there is a way to let them know of some of your experieces, using them in a teaching lesson.
I have found that some adults feel like they are treated like high school students in the career college setting. They do not appreciate it. This creates its own set of problems for the instructor, as well. I have taken that thought into every class now. I find myself starting the first day of class with acknowledging the adult population in the classroom, yet, still emphasizing that there are rules to follow, etc. It has helped me to earn some respect, as they feel that I do at least understand that they have families, lives, and responsibilities outside of the classroom.
Respect must be given before it can be returned. In my class room I try to make everything fun and respect student opinions no matter what is said. This opens up a two way conversation with respect on both sides. No-one knows every thing, that includes me the instructor.
Yuliya
I totally agree with you that you need to show your students respect from the first class time. If you open the communication channels by being respectful to each individual student they in turn will show you the same respect.
Karne Johnson
Hi Laura,
What an humble spirit you have. I am sure your students thoroughly respect you. I can tell you give respect to your students because it sounds as though you give them respect. No one knows it all, and you are honest when you don't know, this is certainly the best approach.
Patricia
Hi Yuliya,
Respect is a two-way street. Normally if you give it, it will be returned.
Patricia
Hi, Absolutely agree on RESPECT- I show my students respect on day one- and keep any time communication between with respect . It is realy work!!!
I try to earn my students respect, both professionally and for my knowledge base. On the first day of class I give my credentials and how I came to earn them, letting the students know that it's OK to be an adult student and they can succeed. I also tell them that I do not know all the answers, if we come across something that I am not familiar with, I will look for the information. Often, during the course of the class there is something that I might not be familiar with, when I offer to research it, usually a student will volunteer. Allowing them to research and present to us all gives them a sense of pride and opens up the discussion lines.
Hi Loretta,
Home certainly is the starting point for respect! You can always tell those students who respect their parents because they generally respect their instructors too.
Patricia
Number one I've always told my student that respect starts at home. And as you venture out in the world you earn respect as long as it is givent.
Hi Crystal,
I can see why you feel as though it is harder to earn respect of adults verses high schoolers. Adults are critical, and they are very observant, therefore we as educators must be professional in all areas to earn our adult students respect.
Patrici
Hi Karen,
If you feel as though extra credit is a way to encourage your students to post to the portal then continue to use extra credit. Just be careful of not letting extra credit inflate grades.
Patricia
I agree with this approach as well. I do offer extra credit for students who post something about themselves in the portal area forum discussion.
I do agree. When respect is given it is also received. I find that earning the respect of adults is harder than earning that of a high school student.
Hi Paula,
I have found that students can be very receptive when it comes to respect! Generally, students will respect you if you respect them.
Patricia
On the first day of class, I always share my experience and a little about myself. I then close with a few comments on Respect.
I inform them that with every "title" comes a certain amount of due respect, in this case Instructor, which I hold, however Mrs. Muir (me) will have to earn the respect of her students, just as each student will have to earn her respect. You'd be surprised at the students positive responses.
Most of my students are coming back to school from the workforce. They are no longer awed simply because you are a teacher. Respect is not immediately bestowed, but must be earned. Let them know you respect them and expect certain standards from them, and then follow up by modeling those behaviors, and respect will follow.