By having the students reflect upon their own strengths and weaknesses, they are better prepared to understand what will be challenging to them. For example, time may be something that they have historically had issues with managing. By recognizing this, they may be able to face the time constraints in a more effective manner. Forewarned is forearmed in this case.
The instructor can also discuss different issues that may arise during the course and discuss how to deal with these issues as they have the students reflect upon this.
Jocelyn M. Dervis
This is true of life. I've consistently suggested using a SWOT to examine one's situation. How to compensate for the weaknesses, defuse the threats, capitalize on the opportunities, and celebrate the strengths. This should be a thoughtful exercise making several attempts. Of course it helps to have a good partner working with you in completing the SWOT.
Having students anticipate and manage distractions is an important discussion topic with them. There must be a commitment to a portion of time during which the student is a 'student'. Sometimes this requires foregoing time on a hobby or a favorite television program. But education is an investment for a lifetime not or a 'season'.
Flora,
You make a great point. The self analysis plus setting of expectations can lead to a great learning experience.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
When it comes to online courses as well as traditional courses, setting course expectations are critical to convey during the very beginning of the class. By using a student self analysis, the student can see for himself/herself what areas require a little more attention in order to successfully finish the course. Setting up the requirements that are needed for the course in terms of time, work load per week, etc., sets up the expectations for the student so they know what is expected of them.
Ann,
You make a great point. It does provide important information to the instructor to guide the student in a way that is specific to the student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Mary,
I agree with you. They don't have any comprehension. I have some that think it is going to be a type of social media exchange. Others think it is an opportunity to be left alone and neither are correct.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Johnnie,
You are right. This may be able to identify the gaps that can be addressed in a variety of different ways. That might remove some of the barriers. Good insight.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It helps them to know what they may need to work on and more importantly it helps the instructor to help the student to learn. Knowing how the student learns for instance can help to know how to deliver the lessons.
I think the majority of people including educators would be surprised at how many students do not comprehend the online environment. Regardless of what an educator tells a potential online student; often times the potential new student has their own pre-conceived idea of what the online environment will be like.
Students are not prepared for the online environment and therefore should take an assessment to see how ready they are. Students claim they are ready and have 24/7 access to the Internet and really mean they have their Mom's cell phone hotspot.
Knowing the expectation of the new online environment often helps the student to be more successful. An assessment helps to identify any areas that might need focus.
I teach mathematics online and the majority of my students are not recent high school graduates. As a matter of fact, I have many students that graduated from high school more than 10 years ago and are not comfortable with using all of the available online resources that are offered by the university. Many of the students I have come into the course remembering how they learned math in high school, preparing for tests by memorizing techniques used in examples. Online math courses demand that the students read the material. A difficult concept for many math students. A thorough self- evaluation could be a useful tool for these students to alert them to this fact and help them prepare for proper study techniques.
Christopher,
I love your comment, "goals are hard to reach when they are not visible". That can be the biggest barrier.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Nichoe,
I totally agree with you! I think we do students a disservice by taking their money without have a realistic evaluation of readiness.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Shenita,
And instructors. I do think you make a great point as student need to determine if they fit.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dave,
Yes, and who has that realistic conversation on the lack of readiness? That is the question!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Yvette,
I hadn't really thought about using in that way. You could pinpoint problems and focus on providing them resources before the panic sets in. That would reduce your workload. This is a great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Breezy,
True, and it is important that students understand their strengths as well as weaknesses. We have to make sure we don't over-focus on either of them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
This enables the students to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Oftentimes, goals are hard to reach when they are not visible. Also, students are able to zone in on areas that can be improved or should I say opportunities
Students need to understand their readiness to learn online, therefore, a self-analysis inventory is necessary. However, I do believe that this assessment should be encouraged prior to the student's admission to an online university. Not all students are suited to online learning and I believe they should understand if online learning is for them before making a financial commitment.
It is important to ask online students to complete a self-analysis inventory to help them determine where they are. While I believe that we all have the ability to learn, some people benefit more from a specific type of teaching method. Just as some candidates are not a good fit for a specific job position; Not all students are a good fit for the online learning environment.
