Coming from a nursing background, I learned early that you must leave your issues "at the door" and focus on your patient and their well being. Education is the same. The focus must be on your student and their well being. They are our customers and the reason we are teaching.
And the reverse is also true. The patient/student has to have the right mindset to get a good outcome, whether it be healing or learning.
When you are open and receptive to new ideas and are looking forward to a positive result, the journey its self is often a positive one.
Luisa, the best learning happens when it is student driven. Keep up your good work and intentions.
Michele Deck
I often ask my students.to tell me if there is a different teaching style I can use that would better mesh with their learning style. You have now shared great tools that I can use to assess the students myself. Thank you.
Julie, in building personal awareness of their styles, students can engage in self directed learning.
Michele Deck
I believe frame of mind impacts every aspect of how information is received, retained and used. Knowledge of students learning style affects their learning process and their success in the classroom.
Elizabeth, this is an important teacher responsibility. If more instructors were learner focused, more students would feel supported in their efforts in school.
Michele Deck
It is very important to take into consideration every ones learning style. As an instructor, your job is to be aware of any difficulties students are having in the classroom concerning the learning process. Find out what different teaching methods will work in your classroom.
Radha, I think you have stressed some very critical elements of creating success in a classroom, and in the life of the student. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Michele Deck
Students do come into the classroom with a variety of emotions:fear, negativity, anger( if they were pushed into this)low self-esteem ,lack of self confidence.These qualities will definitely have an impact on their learning experience.Regardless of their learning style ,it is the instructor's responsibility to create a learning environment to benefit each student thus enabling them to be successful employees.
Gail, I agree these challenges need to be addressed proactively for the learners to find success.
Michele Deck
Frame of mind has everything to do with learning. If the learner has low self-esteem, a belief of failure, lack of motivation...etc...the learning process is broken to begin with. These things need to be recognized and addressed in order for the learning process to be effective.
Allyson, it is a great strategy to keep your learners curious and guessing as to your next move. It engages their interest.
Michele Deck
I find that being positive and excited about the material being discussed/presented that day is directly related to how the students interact in that lesson. The student may come in with a bad attitude because they think the class is worthless to their goals or because they are having problems at home, but if they see an excited enthusiastic instructor they will pay attention even if it's just to see what we (the instructor) will do next! In turn, they listen, they participate, and ultimately they learn!
Ma. Louella , the importance of a good, positive attitude in a students can help even struggling students aim for success and reach it.
Michele Deck
A positive frame of mind can motivate a student more. The student is more open to learning.
Jumana, I agree that the attitude of the day can be one of positive or negative origin.
Michele Deck
A students and teachers frame of mind is very important in learning. If the students is having a bad day at home and they are physically present in class but not mentally they will not retain or pay attention in the class. If the teacher is having a bad day, they will remove their frustration on the students or leave out giving vital informtation to the students.
Amy, we must be supportive to learners, recognizing we can't fix everything.
Michele Deck
I agree with all of the responses to this question. How many times have we heard something along the lines of "Leave it at the door"...This is a two way street. Everyday many of us are competing against obstacles in life. Some obviously more challenging than others. If a students frame of mind isn't quite there in the classroom, they are missing an aboundance of material that they need for a successful career. If the teachers mind isn't there, they may lack vital information that should be discussed and may not even be able to recognize when a student is having trouble in the class. Unfortunately it is not all that easy to just turn off that negative vibe or just drop it at the door.
kristine, creating a safe and open learning environment will benefit you and your learners. Learning is a risk, we have to encourage it in a safe way.
Michele Deck
