Get Your Students Hired
Love this, but it can be a challenge. I teach up to 40 students in a classroom. Typically I get to know several, but it is easy to fall into a trap of paying attention only to those who pose problems for the classroom. I like to start out using a mixer to get to know them. In the context of the subject matter I teach, I end up relating stories about my experiences, and so the students sometimes get to know more about me than I do about them, and I wish I had more chances to learn about them. I do encourage them to share their own experiences as it relates to the subjects we are studying.
I agree. Just talk to your students. Sometimes sharing a personally relatable story from your own experience can help them open up. You can be a little vulnerable without sharing too much. Helping them see that they can succeed past a few roadbumps could be the trigger to redirecting and revamping their own internal motivation and determination.
Talking to your students, and trying to get to know them makes them feel they are more than just another statistic to you. A little small talk will help them see you as a real person. Once they begin to see you as more than just a teacher, they will be more likely open up to you when they need your help or advice.
Sometimes a student will tell you that they don't want to talk to about it, and that they will pull it together. I usually leave it at that, and simply tell them to come see me if they want to talk, or if they need anything. If they don't pull it together in the next day or two, then i will ask them to talk, and sometimes they are more receptive on a second attempt (perhaps b/c they see you care enough to remember that they weren't themselves a day or two ago)
Have you encountered students who don't want to have a conversation or tell you what's going on in their lives? If so, what do you do to let them know that you care?
talking to the student and getting to know what is going on in their life is key to letting them know you care.
What format do you use, Chris? Are these conversations in the class room, the halls or in your office? How involved do you become with the student and their lives?
find out whats going on in both school and personal lives without being too nosey there is a balance there.
I try to talk to each individual student throughout each term. Get to know them genially have concern for there education and personal well being. This brings the teacher and student closer making it easier to teach and learn by teacher and student.