Learner 1 has set their self up for failure before they even started. Some people just see the big picture first, before taking it piece by piece and working on the assignment. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I begin an assignment or project. Usually I leave and then go back and reread the instructions, etc. Positive reinforcement would benefit Learner 1. Giving them examples or tools to help them be successful, would help Learner 1 be successful.
Sharon,
Accounting is an common this course for many students, especially the thought of taking it online. I completely agree with your approach and creating that individual mentoring bond with the student. Many studies have proven this out to be one of the most effective online instructional practices. Of course, the time constraints for doing this with every student can make it a challenge in our institutionalized, mass education systems. Excellent recommendation. Thank you for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would send an email to Learner 1 inquirying if they would like to talk further about the concepts we are studying or talk more, privately, about the DB topic. I often get these type of comments being that I teach accounting, which is often overwhelming for students. I find, that although I would prefer to mentor the student via email for the archive ability, I generally have to have a phone conversation. Students struggling with content often find it easy to discuss, via phone, the concepts that are confusing them. I would acknowledge that many students struggle with quantitative courses and encourage the student by relating the concepts to things they already do (i.e., reconcile their check book, bank online, etc) to show them that although they may not understand the nomenclature they are generally applying many of the concepts in their personal or professional lives. Once I can de-mystify the subject, we can start working to build their confidence. Throughout the course I will check back with the student to comment on assignments done particularly well and see if they have any further questions. When the students is convinced that the instructor cares about their learning, they tend to respond positively.
Matt,
This is also a very good approach. When students can feel their situation is not unusual and that answers are available they are much more likely to continue their efforts. Reinforcing the idea of a learning community will often give the student the social support needed to succeed.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Positive reinforcement, let the student know they are not alone and this is not a new situation (meaning it has happened to others before). For me, I let the student know that they can ask questions and keep learning, that I am here to help.
Also tell them that the discussion area is there to help students learn. I teach and present the material the way I know how. They can read other posts and see how someone else describes it and that may make something click.
-- matt
Hi Amy,
Sorry about the delay in my reply. This is an excellent approach to gain the students confidence and have the student become engaged at a deeper level. Very nice.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It would appear that Learner 1 is having some issues that are possibly based in knowing what is expected in the discussions, and also is lacking in confidence in the subject matter. In this situation I would attempt a couple of techniques. First, I would attempt to validate the student as a participant in the course, and reinforce the fact that their input IS important. Once I established that, I would then attempt to draw the student out in the topic at hand. I would make sure I commented on their knowledge of the subject, rather than their lack of knowledge.This would build both the students confidence and comfort in the online discussion environment, and reinforce the material.
Shana,
This means of assisting the adult learner to take responsibility for his/her learning and performance is a very good strategy. You are helping the student to see how to clearly identify the challenges, then accommodate life circumstances and academic challenges in a balanced and reasonable approach. Well done.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Andrew,
Individualized contact and problem-solving directly with the learner is probably the most powerful way to address this one. Good call. Thanks for your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think that since taking the course was a dream of the learner, I would contact them with a view to reinforcing their decision to take the course.
Additionally, I think it would be important to establish exactly what challenges the learner was facing with the course. Once the challenges have been established, I would recommend adjustments that could help to make the learning experience more manageable and closely monitor progress.
In this situation I think I would contact the student by phone and discuss why he or she feels this class is beyond their reach at this time. Hopefully they simply need some positive reinforcement and possibly work on their study skills.
I have also found that at times students may be going through a crisis at home such as a new addition to the family or some sort of tragedy. Sometimes I think a student needs to hear that they may need to ease up their student obligations until this crisis passes, or there needs to be some sort of extension worked out so that they do not have to drop the class.
Ultimately, the student must know that they have the final say in how well, or poorly they do in a class as long as they know what is expected of them from the beginning.
Gayle,
I like the emphasis on student-to-student collaborative learning. The additional individualized attention may me the extra support he needs to handle the current load. Good ideas. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I think I would use positive reinforcement. I would stress in a personal e-mail to Learner 1 the importance of his/her participation, and point out some good ideas that he had. Hopefully, learner 1 will realize that his participation is just as valuable as others, and that others are probably learning from learner 1.
I would also ask what specifically is causing the student to feel overwhelmed (via private e-mail). The more I know about the student the more I can try to help.
Leslie,
Using multiple avenues of assistance can help reinforce that knowledge for the student. Sometimes stduents assume teachers don't care unless proven otherwise. Helping them out of the 'victim role' by applying resources to fit their individualized needs is a great plan.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I would e-mail the student to offer my help and try to find out what is really going on. This seems to be a cry of help, so this student can be saved. Depending on the issue, I could set up private chats to help tutor the student. I could also refer the student to Student Resource Services if the issue was more personal in nature. All in all, I would just make sure the student knows that I am there to help him/her succeed and that I care about their education.
Sandra,
Excellent response. Good troubleshooting (problem-solving) always begins by clearly defining the problem. Strong approach.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It appears to me that learner 1 is struggling in the course and is reaching out for help. I would send this learner a private email discussing my concern and find out specifically what is the true challenge/issue. Once I understand the challenge, I will be in a better position to help this student become successful.
Edward,
Yes, the private discussion is an essential component to quelling unwanted class-wide postings. Especially the real-time discussion (chat or phone) is often a powerful tool for the emotionally impulsive students who need 'immediate' answers. Nice job. Thanks for sharing.
I would privately email that person and note in the student comment feedback , which is private that they should not be using the discussion as a griping tool. Then I would ask them what is so hard or what they are having a problem with. Then I would remind them I am there to help them. For example one student noted she did not fully understand my assignment instructions and I live chatted the explanation as she sent questions.
Hi Louis,
Excellent! Keep up the great work. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
